David Laws' expenses

[longfingernailspaintedblue]

I really thought he was the very best of the Lib Dems.

Given his fortune he obviously doesn't need the expenses, but hiding his landlord/partner from the authorities is unacceptable, even if it was to hide his sexuality.

I'm completely shellshocked.

Is anyone else depressed that MP's expenses are back as a topic? Not a great fan of this coalition, but at least with the new government there is the chance to start afresh, but back again to MP's expenses. Terribly grubby.

The other obv. thing is the fact that he is being charged with ushering in a period of austerity and careful budgetting and the "new responsibility" agenda. Again historically it's the "Family Values" of the Major govt. that blew up so spectacularly in their faces.
Reading rarebit's post and the obtaining by deception element ( rather than just it being arrogant and poor judgement)surely he has no credibility? That and the expenses scandal over which he was particularly vehement leaves him with no option?

Quite admire though the referring oneself to the Standards Committee as if it's some esoteric legal point.

Am wondering if this defence could be rolled out to the rest of the population. Caught stealing, 'it's OK officer; am referring myself to the CPS...'

Rumours that Laws is going to quit.

Iain Dale says that David Laws has just resigned

twitter.com/iaindale/status/14987672107

thanks for the info
longfingernailspaintedblue. It had to be, another one bites the dust. Place your bets in whi's next.

who's - I must start turning the light on before typing

Oh I get it now.

It's like when my brother lived me. He was made redundant but couldn't claim housing benefit because I was a close relative, despite the fact that he paid a small rent for his room.

I see now it would have been okay to claim, because it would have cost the benefits system far more if he'd rented privately and claimed the full rental costs.

How silly of u, we didn't realise we could just reclassify our relationship in order to save the tax payer money.

if Dale is right then twitter is excellent because even Sky News haven't got the news yet. I might have to get onto twitter, otherwise I'll just be in the dark.

yes I will do it sounds great. It really is the source for breaking news and sharing ideas. The Campbell blog and Kerry McCarthy site that you mentioned are also great sources for keeping up to date.

Official statement from the Treasury is imminent according to both BBC and Sky News.

yes, don't rely on twitter, slightly more reliable than Sky News but not much

A very dignified resignation speech.

Danny Alexander the new Chief Secretary!!

I can't think of a less appropriate person, except perhaps Chris Huhne or Vince Cable.

He was right to resign. Whatever the circumstances, his credibility is shot.

Alexander has no financial experience so will probably do as he is told by the Tories

Danny Alexander. I feel sick.