30 May 2009

Another MP to stand down over expenses claims

10:56 am on 30 May 2009

Another Member of Parliament in Britain is to step down at the next general election in an expenses scandal that has led to calls for sweeping political reforms.

Former environment minister Elliot Morley said on Friday he did not want to damage the Labour Party in the elections.

The Scunthorpe MP claimed 16,000 pounds for a mortgage that had already been repaid. He later said it was a mistake, apologised and returned the money.

More than a dozen MPs have already said they will quit at the next election since The Daily Telegraph began publishing leaked details of parliamentary expense claims.

They include the Speaker of Parliament, Michael Martin.

Politicians have claimed for everything from plasma screen televisions and designer wallpaper to moat cleaning bills and a floating house for ducks.