IDS ‘sleaze’ allegations delivered to watchdog
A file alleging that Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith wrongly employed his wife Betsy has been handed over to a Commons watchdog.
The allegations have been compiled by investigative journalist Michael Crick and are now in the hands of the Commons Standards Commissioner Sir Philip Mawer.
They are expected to provide additional fuel for plotters attempting to oust the embattled Conservative.
Mr Duncan Smith has strenuously denied the allegations and has pledged to contact Sir Philip himself in order to give his side of events.
The Tory leader hired his wife as an aide for the first 15 months of his leadership.
“I completely and absolutely rebut any allegation about wrongdoing,” he said in a statement.
“These allegations are without foundation and are malicious.”
Sir Philip must now choose to dismiss the allegations or start a formal investigation, a process that could take months.
Vanessa Gearson, who ran Mr Duncan Smith’s office, has taken legal advice to “protect her integrity and that of the Conservative Party”.
An email from Ms Gearson is among the evidence collected by Mr Crick.
Mr Duncan Smith said he would welcome an investigation “so that we can see the full facts and clear this up once and for all.”
Mr Crick said: “The best thing for Iain Duncan Smith to do would be to get his colleagues and staff to come forward and back him up.
“Obviously it will take the Standards Commissioner a long time to investigate and, while he does, doubts will remain.”
