Four British lawmakers face charges over expenses scandal

Prosecutors announced criminal charges against four British lawmakers yesterday over alleged abuse of parliamentary expenses, in a dramatic twist to a scandal that has rocked UK politics.

Keir Starmer, the director of public prosecutions, said charges of false accounting would be brought against three Labour members of the elected House of Commons (MPs) and one Conservative member of the unelected House of Lords.

"In four cases, we have concluded that there is sufficient evidence to bring criminal charges and that it is in the public interest to charge the individuals concerned," Mr Starmer said.

The three MPs are from Prime Minister Gordon Brown's Labour party and the charges will not help his already tough battle against the main opposition Conservatives at the next election, which must be held by June.

The men deny wrongdoing but have already been barred from standing for Labour at the next vote.

Mr Brown said he was "very angry" at the situation.

"We took steps some months ago to remove the right of these people to stand as candidates for the Labour Party. These are very serious criminal allegations," he told reporters.

He said it was now a matter for the courts but noted changes his government had introduced to clean up the expenses system, adding: "We have got to get rid of that old politics, it cannot be part of the new system."

Lord Hanningfield, the Conservative peer who faces charges, also protested his innocence but immediately resigned as a business spokesman for his party and his membership was suspended, a party spokesman said. The four men were due to appear in court on March 11 and, if convicted, could face a jail sentence of up to seven years.

The expenses scandal erupted in May after the publication of leaked parliamentary expenses showing how lawmakers claimed for everything from flatscreen TVs to massage chairs.

An investigation by former civil servant Thomas Legg concluded on Thursday that MPs should repay £1.1 million (€1.3 million) in expenses, and slammed the "deeply flawed" system.

Mr Starmer yesterday said that MP Elliot Morley, a former minister, faced two charges of dishonestly claiming mortgage expenses, including claiming £16,000 for a mortgage that no longer existed.

His fellow MP David Chaytor faces three charges, including allegations that he claimed almost £13,000 in rent for a London property he in fact owned.

Mr Chaytor has previously apologised "unreservedly" for what he called an "unforgivable error in my accounting procedures".

The third MP was Jim Devine, who faces two charges. He is accused of claiming thousands of pounds worth of cleaning services and stationery using false invoices.

In a statement, the three men said: "We totally refute any charges that we have committed an offence and we will defend our position robustly."

Paul White, known as Lord Hanningfield, faces six charges over allegations that he claimed expenses "to which he knew he was not entitled" including for staying overnight in London when records show he was actually driven home.

"I totally refute the charges and will vigorously defend myself against them," the peer said, adding that all his claims were made "in good faith."

Mr Starmer said another member of the House of Lords who had been investigated would not face charges but a sixth case was still under consideration.