IDS strikes back
Iain Duncan Smith has attacked those responsible for allegations about his wife’s earnings while working for him.
It has been alleged that the work undertaken by Mrs Duncan Smith while employed by her husband at taxpayers’ expense was not sufficient to justify the public salary she received. If true, the situation would represent a breach in parliamentary standards, but the opposition leader has come out fighting, criticising those he says are attempting to attack him through his wife.
He has labeled the people behind the allegations ‘cowards’ and called their actions intolerable. He has also issued an ultimatum over the anonymity of some people behind the claims, saying that anyone wanting to make such allegations should ‘put up or shut up’.
The parliamentary standards commissioner has received several bodies of evidence and statements of the scandal. These include statements defending the role Mrs Duncan Smith fulfilled, while much of it came from Journalist Michael Crick, who presented details of the allegations being made.
Commissioner Philip Mawer declared last night that he would investigate the claims, suggesting that it would be in the public interest and is the only fair option for ‘everybody concerned’.
The allegation that Mrs Duncan Smith’s work did not justify the wage she was paid comes amid ongoing speculation over the Conservative party leadership. It has even been suggested that a small group of shadow cabinet members are now preparing a challenge.
Some of those loyal to Iain Duncan Smith have hinted that the allegations derive from those that would overthrow him. Deputy leader Michael Ancram went so far as to dismiss the scandal as the work of ‘malevolent forces’ within the party.
The investigation will take place behind closed door, and while leadership challengers may not make their move during the process, they may act if the furore damages the party’s popularity.
