Tory MP quits over expenses claim
In yet another bit of swift manoeuvring by David Cameron it was revealed that Conservative MP Andrew Mackay has today quit as his aide after an "unacceptable" expenses claim. While specific aspects of the claim have yet to be aired in public it is alleged to have involved the art of "flipping" primary and secondary properties. This comes at a time when the Labour Party appears to be dragging its heels over the potential suspension and expulsion of some members for alleged abuse of the expenses system.
Former Labour minister Elliot Morley is alleged to have claimed £16,000 for a mortgage which had already been paid off and despite his announcement that some money had been paid back, it is not clear when or how much has been returned to the taxpayer. This has prompted Gordon Brown to bring in the Labour Party chief whip to discuss the future of Mr Morley although prolonged discussions are doing the Labour Party yet more harm in the polls.
In what has been a dramatic and damaging saga for all political parties, the difference in leadership style and leadership stance is becoming ever more apparent day by day. David Cameron appears willing to take on the hierarchy of the Conservative party and come down hard on those alleged to have "abused the system" while Gordon Brown continues to drag his heels.
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