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Police to investigate MP expenses Police to investigate MP expenses
(41 minutes later)
Scotland Yard has decided to launch an investigation into the alleged misuse of expenses by a small number of MPs and peers, the BBC has learned.Scotland Yard has decided to launch an investigation into the alleged misuse of expenses by a small number of MPs and peers, the BBC has learned.
It follows a public outcry about the way many MPs had been using their second homes expenses.
Since the scandal broke, several MPs have announced they will be stepping down at the next election.
Police say officers from their economic and specialist crime command will conduct the investigation.Police say officers from their economic and specialist crime command will conduct the investigation.
It will be overseen by the Metropolitan Police's temporary assistant commissioner Janet Williams, a former special branch commander. They are refusing to say who is under investigation but the BBC understands Labour MPs David Chaytor and Elliot Morley are among those under scrutiny.
In a statement, the force said: "After consideration by the joint Metropolitan Police and Crown Prosecution Service assessment panel the Met has decided to launch an investigation into the alleged misuse of expenses by a small number of MPs and Peers." It follows a public outcry about the way some MPs used their allowances.
They will not confirm who is under investigation nor what parties they are from. The decision to launch an investigation follows several weeks of preliminary inquiries by a team of police investigators, prosecutors and legal experts.
Claims repaid It is widely known that those at the centre of the initial probe were linked to so-called "phantom mortgages".
Two weeks ago Scotland Yard said it was highly unlikely MPs would be prosecuted unless there was proof they misled Parliamentary authorities. Questions
But it added that a special panel needed more information in a "small number" of cases before making a final decision on criminal investigations. David Chaytor, Labour MP for Bury North, and Elliot Morley, Labour MP for Scunthorpe, both announced they would stand down after it emerged they claimed interest payments for mortgages they had paid-off.
Two other MPs, Labour's Ben Chapman and Conservative MP Bill Wiggin, may also face further inquiries after facing accusations relating to their mortgage claims.
Labour peer Baroness Uddin, who apparently claimed an empty Maidstone flat was her main home so she could claim expenses for peers living outside London, may also face questions.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson has held a series of talks with Director of Public Prosecutions Keir Starmer over the allegations.
The senior officer said his detectives would follow the evidence. Speaking on Thursday, he said: "We will make a decision on what the evidence is or is not."
He said the Parliamentary authorities have given "good cooperation" after investigators asked for more information.
'Unforgiveable error'
Two weeks ago, the Metropolitan Police ruled out wide-ranging action against the majority of parliamentarians embroiled in the controversy.
Officers believe there is only a realistic chance of prosecution in cases where it can be proved individuals misled Parliament's Fees Office.
Mr Chaytor said he would pay back £13,000 after admitting an "unforgivable error" in continuing to submit £1,175 monthly bills for a paid-off loan.
Mr Morley was suspended from the Parliamentary Labour Party after admitting a similar £16,000 claim and referring himself to the Westminster sleaze watchdog.
Parliamentary standards inquiries into Mr Chaytor and Mr Morley are on hold while the police continue to consider their cases.
Ben Chapman, MP for Wirral South, said he would stand down at the next election after it was reported he claimed interest on his home loan's full value despite paying off £295,000 in 2002.
'Inevitable'
Bill Wiggin, a Tory whip, received more than £11,000 to cover interest payments after declaring a Herefordshire property was his "second home".
Mr Wiggin said the money, to which he was entitled, should have related to his London property. Conservative leader David Cameron said the mistake was "honest".
The investigation will be overseen by the Metropolitan Police's temporary assistant commissioner Janet Williams, a former special branch commander.
In a statement, the force said: "After consideration by the joint Metropolitan Police and Crown Prosecution Service assessment panel the Met has decided to launch an investigation into the alleged misuse of expenses by a small number of MPs and peers."
On Friday Parliament published a list of MPs who have repaid claims, suggesting 182 from all parties had returned money totalling £478, 616.On Friday Parliament published a list of MPs who have repaid claims, suggesting 182 from all parties had returned money totalling £478, 616.
Many said that while claims had been within the rules, they were responding to constituents' anger.Many said that while claims had been within the rules, they were responding to constituents' anger.
The scandal has enveloped all the major parties and prompted the resignations of at least two cabinet ministers.The scandal has enveloped all the major parties and prompted the resignations of at least two cabinet ministers.
Both Downing Street and the Conservatives say they have no comment to make on the latest development.Both Downing Street and the Conservatives say they have no comment to make on the latest development.
But Business Secretary Lord Mandelson said it was "inevitable" that the police would become involved, adding: "If there is wrongdoing it needs to be investigated. That's how we do things in Britain."
The House of Commons is coming under mounting pressure to abandon security measures which allowed large swathes of MPs' expense claims to be censored.