Member News
By Tony Grew - 14th October 2010
Rotherham MP Denis MacShane has been reported to the police over his expenses claims.
The former minister for Europe's membership of the parliamentary Labour party (PLP) has been suspended.
He has been reported to the Metropolitan police by the parliamentary commissioner for standards.
It is thought to be the first time an MP has been referred to the police by parliamentary authorities.
MacShane made claims totalling approximately £125,000 over seven years for an office based in the garage of his Yorkshire that were the subject of media reports.
There have also been questions asked about a series of invoices MacShane submitted from the European Policy Institute.
He has previously denied any wrongdoing.
The standards and privileges committee said: "At its meeting on 12 October, the committee agreed that the parliamentary commissioner for standards should report to the Metropolitan police service the conduct of the Rt hon Member for Rotherham, Mr Denis MacShane.
"In accordance with procedures agreed in 2008 between the committee on standards and privileges, the parliamentary commissioner for standards and the Metropolitan police, the commissioner's inquiry into a complaint against Mr MacShane will be suspended until the question of possible criminal proceedings has been resolved."
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