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The latest MPs who are quitting the Commons
02.06.09
These are the latest MPs who have announced they are quitting the Commons as the expenses scandal continues to claim scalps.
Former health secretary Patricia Hewitt denied her decision was related to the row over MPs' expenses, saying she wanted to spend more time with her family and on her work on Indian issues.
The Leicester West MP's claims included £920 in legal fees when she moved out of a flat in her constituency before staying in hotels and then renting another flat in Leicester.
She also claimed for furniture, including £194 for blinds delivered to her London home, the paper reported.
"The truth is that after 13 years as an MP and 10 years in Government, I have not seen enough of my family," she said.
Labour's Bury North MP said he would not fight the next general election in the wake of revelations that he claimed almost £13,000 of expenses on a mortgage which did not exist.
The backbencher had already been suspended from the Parliamentary Labour Party pending a "star chamber" inquiry into his claims.
He said that, for the coming months, his "priority must be to explain my errors following allegations over the use of parliamentary allowances".
The Children's Minister announced she was stepping down as the MP for Stretford and Urmston for "personal reasons".
She insisted her decision had "nothing whatsoever" to do with the expenses row.
According to the Daily Telegraph, Ms Hughes rented a second home in London where she claimed £801.60 for re-upholstering furniture, £718 on a chair and £435 on curtains and for bedding.
Reader views (2)
Surely Patricia HEWITT has outside interests paying about 120k per annum.With her pension + deverance pay this talented lady will be able to live the modest life style we all expect of a Socialist politician.
- P Doff, audierne france
I do hope that all the Members of Parliament who are "stepping down" at the next election will NOT be paid any of their additional benefits. These people have cheated the system and should not be rewarded. Anywhere else they would be sacked on the spot and not be rewarded with a pay off.
- Dorothy Jones, Neath, West Glamorgan
