Threat of constituency challenge for biggest expenses claimer Joyce

Published on Friday 19 June 2009 21:51

FALKIRK MP Eric Joyce could be facing a challenge to replace him as his constituency's Labour Party candidate, The Scotsman has learned.

The former army major has a fight on his hands to keep his seat after he shocked constituents and local party members with some of his extravagant expenses claims.

Mr Joyce was Britain's highest claiming MP in 2007-8 with a total of 187,334. This included 160 for an oil painting in October 2007 , 39.99 for two Remembrance Day wreaths in November 2007 and 276.13 for an assertiveness training course in May of the same year.

In December 2007, Mr Joyce claimed 577.25 for a one-night stay at the Hallion, a private members club based in Glasgow.

Questions are being raised about 18,000 he is alleged to have paid for services provided by Ross Martin, a former Labour councillor and close friend. The money was paid in utility bills, rent and consultancy fees to Networks Central, which has recently dissolved, having been run by Mr Martin, who was once a Holyrood candidate.

Mr Joyce has said that Networks Central was the agent for the owners of the building he rented and added its consultancy work was "very worthwhile and greatly assisted me in my work as Falkirk MP".

He has also said he used his own money for the wreaths and the claims were staff errors.

But The Scotsman has been told there are elements in his local party who remain unhappy and are looking for a challenger to replace him as their candidate.

One party insider said there were local candidates willing to stand against Mr Joyce, adding: "We feel badly let down by him."

At the last election Mr Joyce had a majority of 13,475.