Tory MP was not sacked says David Cameron
- 00:00:55
- ITN
Tory MP was not sacked says David Cameron
A Conservative MP facing questions over his expenses claims will stand down at the coming General Election. David Wilshire referred himself to the Parliamentary Standards Commissioner after reports that he directed more than £100,000 of public money to a company owned by him and his wife. After discussions with Tory chief whip Patrick McLoughlin, the MP for Spelthorne in Surrey announced that he would not seek re-election in the poll expected next spring. A senior Tory source said: "He maintains that he has done nothing wrong and that the Commissioner will clear him. But he feels that if he remains an MP it could damage the party and cause distress to his friends and family." The Telegraph estimates a monthly payment of £3250 was put into the company but says there is no offficial record of the firm's existence and it never filed public accounts. Parliamentary rules forbid MPs from entering into arrangements which may prompt criticism and accusation of profiting from public funds.
ITN | October 16, 2009
