Theresa May to appear before “Betsygate” inquiry
Theresa May, chairman of the Conservative Party, is likely to be called before Sir Philip Mawer’s parliamentary inquiry into the so-called “Betsygate” affair.
Sir Philip, the Commons standards commissioner, is leading the parliamentary investigation into allegations that Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith employed his wife Betsy at his private office, despite the fact that she did little or no work.
Mrs Duncan Smith reportedly received £15,000 a year for doing the bare minimum of work.
Payment for non-work is contrary to internal Tory party regulations.
Mrs May was reportedly ‘not happy’ with the management of the Tory leader’s expenses claim on behalf of his wife.
And Theresa May’s ire would have been raised further on Friday, after a BBC interview with her, due for broadcast on Sunday’s The Politics Show, was pulled after pressure was exerted from Conservative Central Office.
Should Ms May give evidence, her testimony could prove disastrous for the limping leadership of Mr Duncan Smith.
The Conservative Party under Iain Duncan Smith lags behind the Government by five per cent, according to a new survey by ICM survey for The Guardian.
Yesterday, the Tories’ former chief executive, Mark MacGregor, gave evidence to the privately held inquiry. He is thought to have confirmed Ms May’s displeasure with Mrs Duncan Smith’s salary.
Vanessa Gearson, the Tory party deputy director, has already submitted a 20-page statement outlining her concerns about Mrs Duncan Smith’s role.
