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Conduct watchdog MP in expenses row
23 Nov 2009- No movement in independence talks
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Another member of the committee that regulates MPs' conduct is facing questions over his expenses.
Andrew Dismore reportedly claimed £34,000 in second home expenses for a west London flat that hosts his girlfriend's homeopathy surgery, while declaring a property just a few miles away in his north London constituency as his main home.
Mr Dismore - who serves on the Commons Standards and Privileges Committee and is Labour MP for Hendon - then allegedly "flipped" his second home designation to the north London property and claimed a further £31,000.
He split a total of £65,000 in second home allowances between the two London properties over an eight-year period, according to the Daily Telegraph.
Sir Alistair Graham, the former chairman of the Committee on Standards in Public Life, told the newspaper that members of the conduct watchdog had to be "squeaky clean".
Last week Tory backbencher David Curry stepped down as its chairman and referred himself to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards amid allegations he had claimed £30,000 for a constituency property which his wife had banned him from using after an affair.
"Its longest-standing member having question marks over his own claims does not fit with this.
"I think the only sensible thing for (Mr Dismore) to do is follow Mr Curry and stand down," Sir Alistair said.
When contacted by the Press Association, Mr Dismore refused to comment about the claims.
Reader views (1)
The Serious Fraud Squad should investigate the Commons Standards and Privileges Committee for starters.
Then investigate the Commons Fees Office.
Then arrest and charge at least 200 MP's under the Fraud Act.
The entire MP's expenses business stinks to high heaven - and the stench will NOT go away.
- Reuben Camara, Plot 1, Morecambe Compound, EUSSR, 23/11/2009 04:04
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