It’s been announced today that both Tory MP Julie Kirkbride and Labour’s Margaret Moran will both step down over the expenses scandal - eleven MPs have now resigned as a result of the affair.
Bromsgrove MP Ms Kirkbride followed her husband, in announcing her departure from parliament at the next general election. The couple came under fire when it emerged that Commons allowances had been used to simultaneously fund both the homes where they lived.
Luton South MP Ms Moran has been under fire after it was disclosed that she claimed £22,500 for treating dry rot at her partner’s home in Southampton, 100 miles from both her constituency and Westminster.
However, some experts believe that many more MPs will be forced to give up their seat, and not seek re-election. There is also a view that “expenses issue” could lead to at least the resignation or sacking of one Cabinet Minister.
And, that is a view backed by former Labour Deputy Leader; Lord Hattersley who today repeated his call for Hazel Blears to be sacked from the government, adding he wished the Prime Minister would say what he believed on a number of issues.
Avoiding taxes, like capital gains tax, as done by Ms Blears may be legal, but: “It revolts all sense of what the Labour party and Gordon Brown stands for.”
“It’s time for Gordon Brown to show what he really thinks. I just wish he would say what he believes on this and other issues,” he said.
Pressed to say he believed Hazel Blears should be sacked, he said: “I said that last night. I have no problem saying that, of course she should go. The Prime Minister is a good deal more tender-hearted than I am”.
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