15/10/2009

Taxpayer 'Funds' MP's Own Firm

A Tory MP has claimed over £100,000 of taxpayers money and put it into his own company, according to reports.

David Wilshire, MP for Spelthorne in Surrey, paid £105,500 into a company in which he was a partner, according to the Daily Telegraph.

Between 2005 and 2008, money was frequently being put into Moorlands Research Services, a firm owned by himself and his partner, Ann Palmer.

Last night Mr Wilshire referred his case the the Commissioner for Standards asking him to carry out an investigation.

Mr Wilshire said that he is "deeply hurt and disappointed" by the allegations.

He told the newspaper that the arrangement had been approved by parliamentary officials and that he had not made any profit.

He said: "My constituents are rightly entitled to the truth about these allegations. I have therefore written to the Commissioner for Standards asking him to conduct an enquiry. Until I have had an opportunity to take his advice, I think it best if I say nothing further."

(CD/GK)

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