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A Conservative MP facing a revolt by her constituents over her second home expenses claims has spoken of her relief after hanging on to her job.
Eleanor Laing, the shadow justice minister and MP for Epping Forest, last night survived a no-confidence vote at a meeting of 200 members of the Epping Forest Conservative Association in Loughton.
Ms Laing avoided paying more than £100,000 in capital gains tax on the sale of two properties on which she had claimed public money. She has denied any wrongdoing and has since repaid £25,000. She said she was humbled to win “overwhelming support”.
Officials said 83 per cent of those at the meeting voted against deselecting her. Ms Laing: “I'm absolutely delighted.”
One member said the vote had been a “whitewash” as he left the meeting. Ms Laing disagreed, saying: “I've been scrutinised and I have answered all the questions and my critics accept that.”
Reader views (11)
MP should be prosecuted and fine for avoiding and delaying paying capitals gains tax.
I do not and will not understand why the Inland revenue have not taken this on!
- Max, London, 27/10/2009 15:11
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Lets hope the good people of Epping Forest see sense at the next election.
- Mark H, London, England, 27/10/2009 15:00
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I wonder if her electorate will be quite so accommodating.
It appears that many constituency parties, both Labour and Tory, in "safe" seats view the real election as little more than a rubber-stamping exercise.
Electors should disabuse the political class of the "safe" seats notion.
- John C, Leatherhead, UK, 27/10/2009 14:16
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Hold on now:
"She has denied any wrongdoing and has since repaid £25,000"
If she hadn't done anything wrong then why has she given £25k back? If the local Conservatives had grown a pair they'd have booted her, are they seriously stupid enough to believe that she'll keep her seat at the next election?
- Bob, Cheam, 27/10/2009 11:52
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She must have had an extremely palatable explanation.
I am sure the local party could see through this but still backed her. Is this really the right message to send to prospective voters ie. we will be tough on those who have exploited the system but only when it suits us.
It's a total disregard to her constituents
- Denis, London, 27/10/2009 11:48
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Typical blue rinse brigade god help us if this crooked shower get in are they just stupid or blind as well?
- Steve, England, 27/10/2009 11:07
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The sums are incredible.
Within the rules?
Which moron can accept that all these properties were her main residence, obvioulsy they were not - it doesn't take Columbo to work this out and yet the local party were fooled or believe that people won't really care or spot this?
- Malcolm, London, 27/10/2009 10:34
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Its absolutely incredible. But then your average CLP Tory Labour Lib Dem, haven't a clue about the real public sentiment on these errant MPs. CLPs don't know a thing. Should be put to an Open Primary Selection.
- Dhan Raj, Basildon, 27/10/2009 09:23
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These Tories are no better are they. Monster Raving Looney party me thinks.
- Frank, Home Counties, England., 27/10/2009 09:22
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Look, Let's face it, Tory selection committees will select a slurry pit if it has a blue lid and Labour committees one with a red lid if told to from on high.
- Steve, Brentford, 27/10/2009 09:07
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The local party may still vote for her, wait until the election. Soon we should be able to get rid of these scumbags and thieves. The whole of parliament has to be cleared out once and for all. When the leaders promised, but as usual never did it to clear them out, then we will.
- Lee, Hayes middlesex, 27/10/2009 07:50
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