Harry Cohen stands down
By politics.co.uk staff
Labour MP Harry Cohen will stand down at the next election, following his part in the expenses scandal.
The Labour backbencher is currently under investigation by the Parliamentary Standards Commission over second home allowance claims adding up to £100,000.
His constituency of Leyton and Wanstead is just nine miles from Westminster.
Mr Cohen said he was standing down to spend more time with his wife, who is ill.
Thousands of pounds of public money went into redecorating his second home, which he later sold, claiming £12,000 in stamp duty and fees on a new property.
He then designated the constituency home as the second property, claiming over £5,000 for furniture and decorations.
He was criticised for the claims, but claimed former Conservative minister had told Mps to go spend the money after allowances were increased.
“That is exactly what John Moore said on behalf of Mrs Thatcher to her Tory MPs.
“That makes it part of my salary. It really is part of my salary in all but name. That is what it exists for.”
