Celebrity MP candidates pick up pace
Wednesday, 27 May 2009 12:00 AM
By Ian Dunt
An increasing number of minor celebrities are putting themselves up to run as parliamentary candidates at the next election on an anti-expenses platform.
This morning Telegraph columnist Simon Heffer announced he would run against Commons deputy speaker Sir Alan Haselhurst at the next election unless he repays £12,000 in expenses.
Mr Heffer used his column to make the announcement.
He follows TV presenter Esther Rantzen, who confirmed earlier this week she would run in Luton South if the current MP - Margaret Moran - stands again.
Ms Moran is accused of claiming £22,500 on a second home 100 miles from Luton.
Ms Rantzen's fellow I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here contestant, David Van Day, also appears to be mulling over the decision.
"Because Esther had thrown her hat into the ring over Luton South a lot of people were interested in my opinion about it," he told Sky News.
"And somebody even asked me if I would stand. Then there was this ridiculous statement that came out from Nadine Dorries that it was a witchhunt. I thought, 'well you know what, I think somebody needs to go down to Mid Bedfordshire and ask constituents if it's time for change.'"
The expenses scandal continued to run today, with allegations Tory MP Julie Kirkbride paid her sister £12,000 in salary despite the fact she lived over 100 miles from her constituency or Westminster.
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