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Expenses of SNP MPs Hosie and MacNeil 'will not be investigated' | Expenses of SNP MPs Hosie and MacNeil 'will not be investigated' |
(35 minutes later) | |
The expenses of two SNP MPs reported to have had affairs with a journalist will not be investigated by Westminster's parliamentary standards watchdog. | The expenses of two SNP MPs reported to have had affairs with a journalist will not be investigated by Westminster's parliamentary standards watchdog. |
Stewart Hosie and Angus MacNeil were reported by a Tory MSP over allegations they claimed expenses for accommodation while carrying out the affairs. | Stewart Hosie and Angus MacNeil were reported by a Tory MSP over allegations they claimed expenses for accommodation while carrying out the affairs. |
Westminster's Commissioner for Standards has decided not to look further into the claims. | Westminster's Commissioner for Standards has decided not to look further into the claims. |
Mr Hosie is to step down as SNP deputy leader in the autumn. | |
The commissioner, Kathryn Hudson, ruled that there was no basis for an inquiry, and that there was no evidence beyond the claims contained in a complaint letter from MSP Jackson Carlaw. | |
A spokesman for the SNP said the party was not surprised by the commissioner's decision not to investigate Mr Carlaw's complaint. | |
'Political stunt' | |
He added: "It was a political stunt and a hypocritical move given the long and proven history of Tory MPs abusing the expenses system, as well as the current police investigations into the Tory party for election fraud. | |
"Jackson Carlaw would do better to ensure his own party is acting in line with parliamentary rules rather than playing politics with people's private lives." | |
A spokesman for the Scottish Conservatives said: "We respect the decision of the Standards Commissioner. | A spokesman for the Scottish Conservatives said: "We respect the decision of the Standards Commissioner. |
"Our view is it is right to question such cases to ensure that public funds are always used in support of parliamentary duties." | "Our view is it is right to question such cases to ensure that public funds are always used in support of parliamentary duties." |
Mr Hosie and Mr MacNeil were both reported to have had affairs with journalist Serena Cowdy. | Mr Hosie and Mr MacNeil were both reported to have had affairs with journalist Serena Cowdy. |
Mr MacNeil was said to have stayed with Ms Cowdy at the Park Plaza hotel in London, and then claimed for the room on expenses. | Mr MacNeil was said to have stayed with Ms Cowdy at the Park Plaza hotel in London, and then claimed for the room on expenses. |
Ms Cowdy is reported to have later been involved in a relationship with SNP deputy leader Mr Hosie, who recently separated from his wife, SNP MSP Shona Robison. | Ms Cowdy is reported to have later been involved in a relationship with SNP deputy leader Mr Hosie, who recently separated from his wife, SNP MSP Shona Robison. |
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