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MP 'spent taxpayers' money on coffee morning mail shots'
Abul Taher02.10.09
A Government minister was today accused of misusing taxpayers' money - allegedly spending thousands on invitations to Saturday coffee mornings.
Farming Minister Jim Fitzpatrick broke Parliamentary rules, the Conservatives claim, by sending thousands of unsolicited letters using Commons notepaper and envelopes.
Mr Fitzpatrick, the MP for Poplar and Canning Town, is already embroiled in a row with Muslim constituents after he and his wife Sheila left a wedding last month because male and female guests were segregated.
Today he said the Tories were using smear tactics. "They are stretching to find something improper, some mud to throw at me in the run-up to the election, because they know my expenses claims are squeaky clean."
The Standard has obtained three letters sent in July to hundreds of residents in the Isle of Dogs, in which Mr Fitzpatrick asked constituents to discuss "any issues" with him on a one-to-one basis.
Two Tory councillors have complained to John Lyon, the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards. Ministers are only permitted to use Commons envelopes and headed paper when replying to a letter.
Tory councillor Ahmed Hussain and Peter Golds, the Conservative leader in Tower Hamlets, received mail from Mr Fitzpatrick. Mr Hussain said: "This is political campaigning, and I want it to be investigated. This is misuse of taxpayers' money."
In May, Health Minister Ann Keen paid back £4,583 after she was reprimanded for sending thousands of mail shots using Commons stationery.
Tim Archer, the Tory candidate who will stand against Mr Fitzpatrick at the next general election, said: "If he has breached rules, he should say sorry at the first instance, then it's up to him whether he gives the money back, but he has wasted taxpayers' money."
Reader views (7)
one for the house of lords then,they will all go there after the election
- Anon, leicestershire
He should apologise and be made to back back the full amount.
PS. And be kicked out at the next election!
- Karran Jones, London UK
Right on the wedding, letters - uncertain
- Very Very Angry At Paying Tax For Mp'S Expeses, Home Counties
I want him out.
He's let us down time and time again.
- Robert Bidder, Poplar, London
To his credit he made the right decision about the Muslim wedding.
- Frank, Home Counties, England.
The sooner Poplar will be rid of him the better.
I've always been a Labour voter, but looking at his record and now this story. I will be voting Conservative for the first time ever.
They are the only people who have knocked on my door.
- Chris North, London
Nothing surprising here.
- Reuben Camara, Morecambe Compound, EUSSR
