Three more Labour MPs step down
By politics.co.uk staff
Patricia Hewitt, Beverly Hughes and David Chaytor have stood down in the wake of the expenses scandal.
The trio stood down as MPs but around Westminster, many Cabinet members are stepping down from government, including Jacqui Smith, home secretary, and Tom Watson, a key Brown ally.
Mr Chaytor, who had already been suspended, was embroiled in the scandal after it emerged he claimed public money for a £13,000 mortgage which had already been paid off.
It makes him the latest Labour victim of the expenses scandal, which has so far claimed predominantly Tory scalps.
Mr Chaytor continued to submit monthly claims for £1,175 at the taxpayers’ expense, long after his loan was paid off.
Darling’s job dangles on a thread
The Bury North MP said he would repay the claim and referred himself to the parliamentary commissioner.
Former health secretary Patricia Hewitt will also stand down at the next election, although she said the move has nothing to do with expenses.
The Leicester West MP cited personal reasons, saying she wanted to spend more time with her family.
Hoon follows Darling with expenses repayment
Ms Hewitt has been a vocal supporter of consulting the public on parliamentary reform in the wake of the scandal.
Ms Hughes, schools minister, also cited personal reasons for standing down, saying her decision had nothing to do with expenses.
Meanwhile, Labour backbencher Jim Devine has become the latest MP referred to the party’s special endorsement panel, which will assess his expenses claims.
The resignations come as the expenses scandal threatens those at the hear tof government, including Alistair Darling, the chancellor, and Geoff Hoon, transport minister.
