Elliot Morley and other MPs - a reminder

The excuses that "it was a mistake" or "it was approved by the Fees Office" are not entirely valid.

From The Green Book:

"Claims must only be made for expenditure that it was necessary for a Member to incur to ensure that he or she could properly perform his or her parliamentary duties."

"Claims should be above reproach and must reflect actual usage of the resources being claimed."


"Members must ensure that claims do not give rise to, or give the appearance of giving rise to, an improper personal financial benefit to themselves or anyone else."


"Members are committed to openness about what expenditure has been incurred and for what purposes."


"Individual Members take personal responsibility for all expenses incurred, for making claims and for keeping records, even if the administration of claims is delegated by them to others."

From "The Code of Conduct for Members of Parliament":

"Holders of public office should take decisions solely in terms of the public interest. They should not do so in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family, or their friends."


"Members shall at all times ensure that their use of expenses, allowances, facilities and services provided from the public purse is strictly in accordance with the rules laid down on these matters, and that they observe any limits placed by the House on the use of such expenses, allowances, facilities and services."