Menu
23/09/2009
Aide Quits Over Scotland
A Labour MP has resigned from his post as a ministerial aide in protest at the Attorney General remaining in office.
Stephen Hesford said he could not support the decision allowing Baroness Scotland to hold her high profile post, after she was fined £5,000 for wrongfully employing a migrant worker.
The UK Borders Agency found Lady Scotland had failed to copy certain documentation relating to her housekeeper, whose working visa had expired.
Mr Hesford, private secretary to solicitor general Vera Baird, announced his intentions to step down today.
In a letter to PM Gordon Brown, he said: "My decision comes about because as an aide to the Law Officers, whilst I have great personal regard for the Attorney General, I cannot support the decision which allows her to remain in office.
"In my view, the facts of the case do not matter. It is the principle which counts, particularly at a time when the public's trust of Whitehall is uncertain to say the least. We have to be seen to be accountable."
Mr Hesford later told the BBC he thought Lady Scotland was "otherwise a very good minister", but insisted the matter was one of "a personal honour situation".
(PR/KMcA)
Stephen Hesford said he could not support the decision allowing Baroness Scotland to hold her high profile post, after she was fined £5,000 for wrongfully employing a migrant worker.
The UK Borders Agency found Lady Scotland had failed to copy certain documentation relating to her housekeeper, whose working visa had expired.
Mr Hesford, private secretary to solicitor general Vera Baird, announced his intentions to step down today.
In a letter to PM Gordon Brown, he said: "My decision comes about because as an aide to the Law Officers, whilst I have great personal regard for the Attorney General, I cannot support the decision which allows her to remain in office.
"In my view, the facts of the case do not matter. It is the principle which counts, particularly at a time when the public's trust of Whitehall is uncertain to say the least. We have to be seen to be accountable."
Mr Hesford later told the BBC he thought Lady Scotland was "otherwise a very good minister", but insisted the matter was one of "a personal honour situation".
(PR/KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
17 September 2009
Attorney General Sacks 'Illegal' Employee
A top Government legal adviser, Baroness Scotland has sacked her housekeep, who was allegedly working in the UK illegally. Lady Scotland is the Attorney General For England Wales and Northern Ireland. She had employed 27-year-old Tongan national Loloahi Tapui as a housekeeper for six months.
Attorney General Sacks 'Illegal' Employee
A top Government legal adviser, Baroness Scotland has sacked her housekeep, who was allegedly working in the UK illegally. Lady Scotland is the Attorney General For England Wales and Northern Ireland. She had employed 27-year-old Tongan national Loloahi Tapui as a housekeeper for six months.
23 April 2015
Woman's Body Found On Street In Edinburgh
An investigation has been launched following the discovery of a woman's body on Calton Hill in Edinburgh. It is understood that the body was found on a footpath at about 04:30 on Thursday morning. The area has been sealed to allow for a forensic examination to be carried out.
Woman's Body Found On Street In Edinburgh
An investigation has been launched following the discovery of a woman's body on Calton Hill in Edinburgh. It is understood that the body was found on a footpath at about 04:30 on Thursday morning. The area has been sealed to allow for a forensic examination to be carried out.
26 March 2015
15-Year-Old Arrested Over Secondary School Stabbing
Police have arrested a 15-year-old boy in connection with the stabbing of two girls outside a secondary school in Glasgow. Police Scotland said the two girls, aged 13 and 15, were attacked outside a school in the Barmulloch area on 19 March.
15-Year-Old Arrested Over Secondary School Stabbing
Police have arrested a 15-year-old boy in connection with the stabbing of two girls outside a secondary school in Glasgow. Police Scotland said the two girls, aged 13 and 15, were attacked outside a school in the Barmulloch area on 19 March.
06 January 2015
Rape Investigation Against MP Mark Pritchard Dropped
An investigation into rape allegations against Conservative MP Mark Pritchard have been dropped, Scotland Yard has confirmed. Mr Pritchard, MP for The Wrekin in Shropshire, was arrested on 2 December, however he was released on police bail. He has now been informed no further action will be taken.
Rape Investigation Against MP Mark Pritchard Dropped
An investigation into rape allegations against Conservative MP Mark Pritchard have been dropped, Scotland Yard has confirmed. Mr Pritchard, MP for The Wrekin in Shropshire, was arrested on 2 December, however he was released on police bail. He has now been informed no further action will be taken.
13 November 2014
New Scotland Yard Sold
The headquarters of the Metropolitan Police has been sold, London's deputy mayor for police and crime has confirmed. The proceeds from the sale of New Scotland Yard (NSY) are to be reinvested in frontline policing, Stephen Greenhalgh has said. NSY has been the headquarters of the Met since 1967 but has been sold as part of cost-cutting measures.
New Scotland Yard Sold
The headquarters of the Metropolitan Police has been sold, London's deputy mayor for police and crime has confirmed. The proceeds from the sale of New Scotland Yard (NSY) are to be reinvested in frontline policing, Stephen Greenhalgh has said. NSY has been the headquarters of the Met since 1967 but has been sold as part of cost-cutting measures.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
