Scotland's only Tory MP faces probe into expenses

Published on Sunday 11 July 2010 19:52

SCOTLAND'S only Tory MP is facing a possible inquiry into his election expenses.

According to reports at the weekend David Mundell is checking whether just under 700 was omitted from the cost of his campaign and listed with an earlier period instead.

This would mean the Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale MP exceeded the permitted limit, which is punishable by a fine. The Scotland Office minister will refer the matter to the authorities if an error is established, his party said.

A Conservative spokesman said: "David has not intentionally breached any rules. He will check whether there has been a mistake and if there has been, he will refer it immediately to the Electoral Commission himself."

Reports say that the alleged error stemmed from a 681 bill for a campaign advertisement in a newspaper. This was counted towards an earlier part of the campaign. Had it been listed with the later campaign, it would push the cost over the limit by 466.

Labour MSP for Dumfries Elaine Murray said: "Mr Mundell is currently the government minister responsible for the good conduct of elections in Scotland so it is only appropriate that he steps aside pending the outcome of investigations into this potential criminal error."