Two MPs Stand Down Over Expenses Row

Julie Kirkbride and Margaret Moran have announced they will both stand down as MPs at the next election over the ongoing expenses row.

The Bromsgrove Tory MP Mrs Kirkbride followed her husband, Andrew MacKay, in announcing her departure from parliament. The couple came under fire when it emerged that Commons allowances had been used to simultaneously fund both the homes where they lived.

Ms Kirkbride announced her decision to stand down, after she came under fire for re-mortgaging her second home by £50,000 to fund an extension.

In her resignation letter to his party leader David Cameron, she said her main concern was for her "very loyal local supporters in Bromsgrove whose trust in me has been very humbling in the last few weeks".

"I also want to see the Conservative Party have a great result in next week’s elections, which will lead to a real change at the general election and you as our prime minister.

"I also must take into account the effects on my family."

Mr Cameron replied: "Thank you for being so frank and candid about your decision to stand down at the coming election.

"I know this was a very hard decision for you to take, but I completely understand why you have decided to do so."

Meanwhile, Luton South Labour MP Ms Moran was criticised for claiming £22,500 for treating dry rot at her partner's home in Southampton - 100 miles away from both her constituency and Westminster.

In a statement, she said: "The understandable public anger over the issue of MP's expenses has caused me great stress and has seriously worsened my existing health problem.

"It is with great sadness that I have today (Thursday) informed the general secretary of the Labour Party following discussion with my family that I intend to stand down as a MP for Luton South at the next general election.

"This will give my Labour Party colleagues an opportunity to select a new candidate to put forward at the next election."

(JM/BMcC)