Margaret Moran statement in full
Friday, 29 May 2009 11:41 AM
The full statement from Margaret Moran, who has announced she would not stand at the next general election following the scandal over her expenses.
"I was first elected as MP for Luton South in May 1997. I want to express my gratitude to the people of Luton in general and my constituents in particular for allowing me over the past 12 years to represent them in public life.
I have put all my energies and commitment into being their champion and advocate.
The understandable public anger over the issue of MPs' expenses has caused me great stress and has seriously worsened my existing health problem.
It is with great sadness that I have today informed the general secretary of the Labour party following discussion with my family that I intend to stand down as a MP for Luton South at the next general election.
This will give my Labour party colleagues an opportunity to select a new candidate to put forward at the next election.
However, it is very important that I set out clearly that I make absolutely clear that I have done nothing wrong or dishonest in relation to my claim for expenses and have at all times acted on advice from the House of Commons Fees Office in relation to my family home in Southampton.
The House of Commons Fees Office gave me incorrect advice upon which I acted. They have now apologised and I quote precisely from their letter dated 27th May 2009 as follows:
Documents show that you asked this office in August 2007 and again in September 2008 for confirmation that it would be in order for you to change your arrangements, from 1st April 2008, and nominate Luton as your main home and Southampton as your second (ACA) home. You were told that this would be acceptable.
The letter goes on to say, 'I can confirm that the advice you were given at the time was wrong...'
The parliamentary commissioner for standards is responsible for ensuring that any breach of the rules is properly investigated. I have already made certain that I have referred my case to him for a full and proper investigation with which I will cooperate fully. I do not therefore propose to make any further comments at this time.
It has been a privilege to serve the residents of Luton South, however I will work as hard as I can for my constituents until I step down as an MP at the next general election, but the understandable anger in the media and amongst the public over the issue of parliamentary expenses has had a bruising effect upon my friends, my family and my health and it is for this reason that I have decided to stand down."
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