Labour science advocate barred from next elections - June 03, 2009
A staunch advocate for science in the Labour government has become one of the latest casualties in a scandal over the misuse of expenses by MPs.
Backbench MP, Ian Gibson, who is a member and former chairman, of the House of Commons committee that scrutinises the use and funding of science in government, has been barred from standing for Labour at the next general elections. The penalty was handed down by a disciplinary panel, following questions over his expenses, reports BBC News.
Gibson reportedly claimed for mortgage interest and bills totally nearly £80,000 for a flat that he said was his second home, but in which his daughter lived rent free ((BBC, Guardian, Telegraph). The expenses are paid for out of public funds.
BBC News reports that Gibson is said to be “very upset” at the decision.
Martin Booth, the chairman of the local Labour Party in Norwich North – Gibson’s constituency - has defended the beleaguered MP. Booth told BBC News he was “horrified” that Gibson has been barred, and accused the panel of being a “kangaroo court”.
Booth added that the allegations against Gibson were untrue. He said that although Gibson’s daughter had lived at the flat, Gibson spent four nights a week there and had put a lot of his own money into the flat.
Gibson is not the only member of the Commons innovation, universities, science and skills committee to come under question over their expenses claims. Phil Willis, the committee’s chairman, is also reported to have claimed around £80,000 for mortgage interest payments, redecoration and furnishings on a flat where his daughter now lives (Telegraph, BBC News).
Willis announced two years ago that he did not intend to stand at the next election for personal reasons. He rejects claims that he misused his expenses and says he has no intension of standing down early.
