Labour MP Moran latest victim of expenses scandal

Published on Thursday 28 May 2009 16:00

Labour MP Margaret Moran announced today that she is to stand down at the general election as the parliamentary expenses scandal claimed another victim.

The Luton South MP has been under fire after it was disclosed that she claimed 22,500 for treating dry rot at her partner's home in Southampton, 100 miles from both her constituency and Westminster.

In a statement, she said: "The understandable public anger over the issue of MP's expenses has caused me great stress and has seriously worsened my existing health problem.

"It is with great sadness that I have today informed the general secretary of the Labour Party following discussion with my family that I intend to stand down as a MP for Luton South at the next general election.

"This will give my Labour Party colleagues an opportunity to select a new candidate to put forward at the next election."

Ms Moran is one of four Labour MPs under investigation by the party's "Star Chamber" endorsements panel set up to scrutinise controversial expenses claims.

In her statement, she insisted she had done nothing wrong and had been acting on incorrect advice given to her by the Commons Fees Office.

"It is very important that I set out clearly that I make absolutely clear that I have done nothing wrong or dishonest in relation to my claim for expenses and have at all times acted on advice from the House of Commons Fees Office in relation to my family home in Southampton," she said.

"The House of Commons Fees Office gave me incorrect advice upon which I acted. They have now apologised."

The chair of the local constituency Labour party, Mahmood Hussain, said he was "deeply sorry" that she had decided to go.

"We are aware of her health problem and have been extremely concerned

about the impact of all of this on her. So we fully understand but regret her decision to stand down at the next election," he said.

"She has been an outstanding MP – indeed, the hardest working MP we have ever seen – and has brought in huge investment to Luton. She will be missed."