Sleaze watchdog MP in expenses row

Nov 19 2009

The MP in charge of the Commons sleaze watchdog has stood down pending an inquiry into his second home allowance claims.

Conservative David Curry is facing allegations that he claimed almost £30,000 towards the cost of a property that his wife does not allow him to use.

According to the Daily Telegraph, she demanded he did not use the cottage in Yorkshire as a condition of their reconciliation after she discovered he was having an affair.

After being challenged about the claims, the MP for Skipton and Ripon has referred his case to John Lyon, the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, who investigates alleged expenses abuse.

Mr Lyon's reports are passed to the Standards and Privileges Committee - to which Mr Curry was appointed as chairman last month - for its recommendations for punishment.

Mr Curry said: "I used the cottage to carry out my duties as a constituency MP and am content with my arrangements.

"However, given the particular responsibilities of the chairman of the Committee of Standards and Privileges, I shall refer my case to the Commissioner on Parliamentary Standards John Lyon and will stand down from the chairmanship during the course of his inquiries."

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