Rotherham MP faces ban from parliament over expenses scandal

ROTHERHAM MP Denis MacShane faces a 12-month ban from Parliament for the “gravest case” of deception ever seen by a Parliament expenses committee.

ROTHERHAM MP Denis MacShane faces a 12-month ban from Parliament for the “gravest case” of deception ever seen.

A report by Standards and Privileges Committee accuses Dr MacShane of submitting 19 false invoices worth £12,900 between 2004 and 2008, which were “plainly intended to deceive” Commons expense bosses.

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It describes his behaviour as “far from what would be acceptable in any walk of life,” adding that it “fell far below the standards of integrity and probity expected of every member of the House.”

The claims relate to his work in Europe on behalf of the European Policy Institute, but also covered travel and food — outside of Parliament’s expenses rules.

Dr MacShane has since repaid the £12,900 and wrote on his website: “I am obviously desperately sorry for any embarrassment I have caused my beloved Labour Party and its leader Ed Miliband whom I greatly admire.”

He added: “Clearly I deeply regret that the way I chose to be reimbursed for costs related to my work in Europe.

“I remain committed to work for progressive values, for Britain playing a full part in Europe, and for combating anti-semitism even though I can no longer undertake this work as a Labour MP.”