MP expenses to be probed

MP expenses to be probed

13 January 2016

STRANGFORD MP Jim Shannon’s expenses claims are being investigated by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority.

The organisation’s compliance officer has opened an investigation into the DUP man’s expenses, in particular a claim made under “travel and subsistence.”

Mr Shannon says the probe may relate to mileage claims made by his staff, adding that he believes he can prove there has been no wrongdoing.

“If that’s what it’s about, and I presume it probably is — the staff mileage  — (then) all the facts are there, all the mileage is there, all the details are there, all the information is there. There is nothing to worry about,” he said.

“There is absolutely nothing whatsoever to worry about. It’s all there, it’s all in black and white and it will all be shown.”

Mr Shannon, who was first elected as an MP in 2010 and retained his seat last year, topped the UK-wide expenses list for 2014-15.

According to Standards Authority, Mr Shannon claimed a total of £264,505 including travel expenses. Brokaen down, the figures show he claimed around £193,000 for his office costs, £58,000 on travel and £12,000 on accommodation.

In a statement, the Standards Authority said the organisation’s compliance officer has opened an investigation to determine whether Mr Shannon has been paid an amount under the MPs’ Scheme of Business Costs and Expenses that should not have been allowed.

Last week, it was revealed the Strangford MP was the most active member in the House of Commons, speaking 247 times in the past year.

Mr Shannon also voted in 71.3 per cent of divisions in the Commons and received answers to 789 written questions.