Three MPs and one lord are to face criminal charges over their parliamentary expenses, it was confirmed today.
Labour parliamentarians Elliot Morley, Jim Devine and David Chaytor will face charges under the Theft Act, as will Tory peer Lord Hanningfield.
In a joint statement the MPs said they refuted any charges and would "defend our position robustly".
Labour peer Lord Clarke will not be charged but a sixth case remains under police investigation.
Detectives have probed several politicians over Westminster expenses claims following a public furore over their publication last year.
Director of the Crown Public Prosecutions Keir Starmer this morning said there was "sufficient evidence to bring criminal charges" against the four members identified.
"Accordingly, summonses in these cases have been obtained from the City of Westminster Magistrates' Court and will now be served on the individuals in question," he said.
Scunthorpe MP Elliot Morley, a former government minister, will be charged in relation to more than £16,000 of mortgage interest claims on a property in Winterton, Lincolnshire between 2004 to 2007.
Livingstone parliamentarian Jim Devine faces allegations of "dishonestly claiming" money for cleaning services and for stationery using false invoices.
David Chaytor, MP for Bury North, is accused of "dishonestly claiming" £1,950 for IT services and further sums of £12,925 and £5,425 relating to rent on properties in London and Lancashire.
Lord Hanningfield, formally Paul White, will be charged with "dishonestly" submitting claims "for expenses to which he knew he was not entitled". This is alleged to have included overnight stays in London.
All four are expected to appear in court on 11 March.
(PR/BMcC) |
