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Tony McNulty, the minister who used his parliamentary expenses to allow his parents to live rent-free in his constituency home, has been ousted from his Harrow seat.
Mr McNulty, who was forced to quit as Minister for London and employment minister last year when the expenses scandal broke, was defeated by Tory Bob Blackman in Harrow East. Mr McNulty had been forced to repay £13,837 and apologise to the Commons.
Labour's majority of 4,730 became a Conservative win by 3,403 votes after a swing of almost seven per cent against Mr McNulty. Mr Blackman polled 21,435, 44.6 per cent of the vote, while Mr McNulty fell short with 18,032 votes — 37.6 per cent.
Mr Blackman was on his fourth attempt to become an MP and has spent 24 years in local government, including spells as leader of Brent council and as the London Assembly member for Brent and Harrow. His campaign was boosted by funding from Tory donor Lord Ashcroft.
He said Mr McNulty's expenses record was central to the campaign but Mr McNulty argued that he was a “man of integrity” and said that voters were more influenced by the economy.
Mr McNulty was first elected in 1997 and was regarded as a bruiser who was once considered a possible Labour candidate for Mayor of London.
Reader views (5)
Now the over confident bully that was Tony McNulty MP has been put in his place, when will there be an investigation as to the truth about how his partner, now wife, was appointed to such a high profile job
heading Ofsted, for which she appears to have had little real time experience?
I am implying nothing, simply looking to find similar
routes of opportunity, for other people.
- Curious Observer., Harrow, 12/05/2010 19:44
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I agree with Adam, Harrow. I too am delighted that McNulty got his comuppance, and if he cared one jot for the people of harrow and the labour party, she should not have had the arrogance to stand again. Me, and many like me only voted against labour to avoid getting him back. If labour had fielded another candidate, I think we would not have seen Bob Blackman succeed. Now, when do we see McNulty being prosecuted for theft? Thought not!
- Maya, London, 10/05/2010 13:46
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McNulty is one of the most despised politicians - worse than a benefits cheat.
- R.F.York, Yorks, UK, 07/05/2010 21:27
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OI MCNULTY you`ll have to join a lobbying firm now
or a "creative" accountany practice...either way youre colleagues will despise you & talk behind your odious slimy back & your parents dont want you around there house anymore either...now sling yer hook
- Terry Davis, london east, 07/05/2010 15:27
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>>Expenses casualty Tony McNulty loses Harrow East
Good. No prosecute him as you would any benefit cheat.
- Adam, Harrow, UK, 07/05/2010 11:29
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