According to the Evening Standard,
“Today the Standard can reveal that police are focusing on more than 10 MPs. The Met has received more than 100 complaints about expenses.
At least 14 ministers are also facing serious questions about their tax affairs after it emerged they employed private accountants.
Only a handful of ministers have admitted paying the tax owed on financial advice paid by the public purse. Home Secretary Jacqui Smith has failed to respond to question over their own detailed tax payments.
The initial police investigations are believed to be focusing on former environment minister Elliot Morley, who claimed £16,000 in expenses over 18 months for a mortgage that had been paid off; and David Chaytor, who claimed £13,000 “in error” for a home loan that had also been repaid.
Cabinet ministers Alistair Darling and Geoff Hoon and Labour peer Baroness Uddin are also said to be the subject of complaints. Mr Darling has come under fire for changing the designation of his second home and claiming back more than £3,000 in stamp duty and legal fees. Mr Hoon has also been criticised for maximising his allowances by changing his second home designation.
Police are examining an earlier complaint about Employment Minister Tony McNulty, who claimed £60,000 or a house in which his parents live.
Met Commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson and Keir Starmer, the Director of Public Prosecutions, have set up a panel to assess if MPs should face a criminal investigation.
Inquiries have been carried out by a team led by acting commander Nigel Mawer. Police say it is crucial to establish details of the arrangements between the fees office and MPs.
One senior Yard source said: “On the face of it there would appear to be cases of fraud but the difficulty we face is we have to prove a criminal intent and we have to understand the relationship between the fees office and MPs.”
At least 14 ministers are also facing serious questions about their tax affairs after it emerged they employed private accountants.
Only a handful of ministers have admitted paying the tax owed on financial advice paid by the public purse. Home Secretary Jacqui Smith has failed to respond to question over their own detailed tax payments.
The initial police investigations are believed to be focusing on former environment minister Elliot Morley, who claimed £16,000 in expenses over 18 months for a mortgage that had been paid off; and David Chaytor, who claimed £13,000 “in error” for a home loan that had also been repaid.
Cabinet ministers Alistair Darling and Geoff Hoon and Labour peer Baroness Uddin are also said to be the subject of complaints. Mr Darling has come under fire for changing the designation of his second home and claiming back more than £3,000 in stamp duty and legal fees. Mr Hoon has also been criticised for maximising his allowances by changing his second home designation.
Police are examining an earlier complaint about Employment Minister Tony McNulty, who claimed £60,000 or a house in which his parents live.
Met Commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson and Keir Starmer, the Director of Public Prosecutions, have set up a panel to assess if MPs should face a criminal investigation.
Inquiries have been carried out by a team led by acting commander Nigel Mawer. Police say it is crucial to establish details of the arrangements between the fees office and MPs.
One senior Yard source said: “On the face of it there would appear to be cases of fraud but the difficulty we face is we have to prove a criminal intent and we have to understand the relationship between the fees office and MPs.”
Nail the FUCKERS.
Hat tip to Plato