Labour decides expenses MPs’ fates
By politics.co.uk staff
Labour’s ‘Star’ chamber met for the first time today to decide the fate of three MPs embroiled in the expenses scandal.
Margaret Moran, MP for Luton, spent £22,500 treating dry rot at a property over 100 miles from her constituency.
Ian Gibson, MP for Norwich North, used £80,000 for a flat where his daughter and her boyfriend lived.
Elliot Morely, a former minister, claimed £16,000 on a mortgage he had already paid off.
None of the MPs were under an obligation to attend the session, and none of them chose to do so.
A Labour party statement read: “The panel is currently in the process of gathering evidence and the Labour party will make a further announcement.”
It said it was committed to “rapid and urgent action” to reassure the public, but stressed any investigation had to be conducted ina “fair and equitable manner”.
Gordon Brown said: “Any MP who has to be disciplined will be disciplined.
“We will take the action that is necessary.”
The meeting was led by a panel of three senior Labour National Executive Committee members.
They are expected to take several days to look at the cases.
A fourth MP, David Chaytor, will be considered at a later date.
