Labour MP investigated over expenses
By Alex Stevenson
Ben Chapman is the latest MP to be embarrassed by the Telegraph’s expenses revelations.
Over ten months the Labour backbencher continued to receive mortgage payments on his second home in London despite the fact he had paid his mortgage off.
The Telegraph newspaper claims his case reveals collusion between Mr Chapman and officials within the Commons’ Fees Office.
It quotes him telling them after he had paid £295,939 off the mortgage on his second home: “By paying off capital I am forgoing interest and investment opportunities elsewhere.”
The Wirral South MP agreed with an official “that the mortgage should remain for ACA (additional costs allowance) purposes at the original amount”.
Labour has reportedly launched an investigation into the claims.
Mr Chapman, leaving his home this morning, said he was “extremely distressed” by the allegations.
“Whatever I’ve done, I’ve been entirely open and above board with the authorities and Parliament and I’m distressed that this has occurred,” PA quoted him as saying.
“I’m now going in to discuss it with them and see what the situation is. But I don’t want to comment further because I haven’t seen the papers.”
Mr Chapman released a statement on his website about the expenses scandal last week.
“While I believe that it is reasonable for an MP to be reimbursed for costs associated with having a second home, I share my constituents’ concerns that members of parliament must use public money responsibly,” he said.
“My own claims have always been made according to the advice of the House of Commons administration. They cover costs of running the second home.”
