'Vendetta' sparks expenses probe

Published on Friday 3 July 2009 22:20

A CONSERVATIVE peer alleged yesterday that a police investigation into his expenses claims of almost £100,000 for overnight stays in London had been sparked by a political vendetta.

Lord Hanningfield accused a rival party's MP – believed to be Bob Russell, the Liberal Democrat MP for Colchester – of attempting to smear him by lodging a complaint with the police.

Records show that Lord Hanningfield, a Tory transport spokesman and the leader of Essex County Council, claimed nearly 100,000 in overnight allowances between 2001 and 2008 despite living less than 40 miles from Westminster.

Rules state that peers whose main home is outside the capital can claim 174 a night if their stay is "for the purpose of attending sittings of the House". Receipts are not required.

In a statement, Lord Hanningfield said: "A Liberal Democrat MP has made a complaint about my expenses to the police.

"This MP has been determined to blacken my name with personal attacks in the press and in parliament for actions that I have taken in trying to improve the quality of education in Essex.

"The House of Lords authorities have no complaint in relation to my expenses and I am satisfied I can account for them."

Mr Russell said he took this as a reference to himself. He refused to confirm whether he had made a complaint to police about the peer, but said: "I have drawn to the attention of various authorities matters which I think are of concern which need looking at."

On accusations he was attempting to smear the peer, he said: "He's entitled to say what he wants. My job is to unearth the facts as I understand them and present them to the appropriate bodies to look at."

Scotland Yard announced last month that it was looking into alleged abuse of the parliamentary expense system by a "small number" of MPs and peers but refused to discuss names or political affiliations.

But it is understood inquiries are also under way into Labour MPs Elliot Morley and David Chaytor, as well as Labour peers Lord Clarke of Hampstead and Baroness Uddin.

The move places further pressure on Tory leader David Cameron, who has pledged to ensure his party complies with rules on transparency and that all claims pass the "smell test".

Polls have suggested that the Tories have fared worse than Labour as a result of the parliamentary expenses scandal.