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Elliot Morley to stand down as MP Elliot Morley to stand down as MP
(10 minutes later)
Former minister Elliot Morley has announced he will stand down at the next general election over his involvement in the expenses scandal.Former minister Elliot Morley has announced he will stand down at the next general election over his involvement in the expenses scandal.
Mr Morley made the announcement after meeting with local Labour Party officials earlier.Mr Morley made the announcement after meeting with local Labour Party officials earlier.
The Labour MP for Scunthorpe made claims totalling £16,000 for mortgage interest - 18 months after the mortgage was paid off.The Labour MP for Scunthorpe made claims totalling £16,000 for mortgage interest - 18 months after the mortgage was paid off.
Mr Morley has apologised and repaid the money, blaming "sloppy accounting".Mr Morley has apologised and repaid the money, blaming "sloppy accounting".
Mr Morley said the pressure had been "affecting his family and his health" and insisted the decision was his own, made after consultation with his family and constituency officers.
In the statement he said: "The last two weeks have been traumatic for me and I have to think of my family and my health, both of which have suffered.
'Genuine mistake'
"Nor do I want in any way to undermine the strong position the Labour Party has in this constituency in what will be a crucial election."
Mr Morley added that he had made a "genuine mistake" and insisted that he believed he would be cleared of any wrong-doing.
The former agriculture minister has already been suspended from the Parliamentary Labour Party over the allegations and referred to the party's disciplinary panel.The former agriculture minister has already been suspended from the Parliamentary Labour Party over the allegations and referred to the party's disciplinary panel.
Standards commissioner
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has described the allegations against him as "serious" - Mr Morley has said he takes full responsibility "for such sloppy accounting in a very loose and shambolic allowance system".Prime Minister Gordon Brown has described the allegations against him as "serious" - Mr Morley has said he takes full responsibility "for such sloppy accounting in a very loose and shambolic allowance system".
But he has said he can prove it was a genuine mistake - he has also referred his case to the Parliamentary Standards Commissioner John Lyon.But he has said he can prove it was a genuine mistake - he has also referred his case to the Parliamentary Standards Commissioner John Lyon.
The Telegraph also alleged that Mr Morley rented out a London flat designated as his main residence to another Labour MP, Ian Cawsey, a close friend and former special adviser.The Telegraph also alleged that Mr Morley rented out a London flat designated as his main residence to another Labour MP, Ian Cawsey, a close friend and former special adviser.
Mr Morley has denied any wrongdoing and said he used the money from his Labour colleague to reduce his claim to the taxpayer.Mr Morley has denied any wrongdoing and said he used the money from his Labour colleague to reduce his claim to the taxpayer.
Since the Daily Telegraph began its reports on MPs' expenses - based on leaked receipts - 13 MPs, including Speaker Michael Martin, have announced their intention to stand down - although some say it is for health or family reasons.Since the Daily Telegraph began its reports on MPs' expenses - based on leaked receipts - 13 MPs, including Speaker Michael Martin, have announced their intention to stand down - although some say it is for health or family reasons.