Second Labour MP suspended over mortgage claims

Saturday, 16 May 2009 12:00 AM

A second Labour MP has been suspended after allegedly claiming thousands of pounds for a mortgage that had already been paid off.

According to the Daily Telegraph, Bury North MP David Chaytor received almost £13,000 for a mortgage on a flat in Westminster which was paid off in 2004.

In light of the allegations, it was announced this morning Mr Chaytor would be suspended from the parliamentary Labour party as investigations into the claims continued.

Reports suggest Mr Chaytor had already admitted making an "unforgivable error" in continuing to submit claims for the £1,175 monthly bill and said he would refer himself to the parliamentary commissioner for standards.

Earlier this week, former Elliot Morley was suspended from the parliamentary Labour party over allegations he continued to claim taxpayer's money for a non-existent mortgage.

Downing Street has today described the reports on Mr Chaytor's claims as "a very serious matter".

The Telegraph suggests the Bury North MP will pay back £13,000 as a result of the revelation.

Other MPs named in today's publication include Labour MP Gerald Kaufman who is said to have claimed, amongst other things, £1,800 for an imported rug.

Also, former Labour MP Tam Dalyell allegedly tried to claim £18,000 for bookcases two months before he retired in 2005.

The expenses scandal is continuing to be hugely damaging for all the main parties.

Yesterday, justice minister Shahid Malik stepped down pending an inquiry into his expenses while the police are due to decide next week whether a criminal investigation should be launched into some of the claims.

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• labour
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• party politics
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• policing and crime