Three MPs and one peer charged with false accounting
“In four cases, we have concluded that there is sufficient evidence to bring criminal charges and that it is in the public interest to charge the individuals concerned,” said Director of Public Prosecutions Keir Starmer in a televised statement.
He named the four as Elliot Morley, David Chaytor and Jim Devine, who are Labour MPs, and Paul White, known as Lord Hanningfield, a Conservative peer.
Morley is a former environment minister. He faces two charges of dishonest claims for mortgage expenses. Chaytor faces three charges of dishonest claims, while Devine faces two charges for making claims based on false invoices.
The BBC reported that the three had issued a joint statement denying the charges and vowing to “defend our position robustly”.
White faces six charges, centred on claims for overnight expenses for staying in London when records show he was driven home and did not spend the night in London. He could not immediately be reached for comment.
