MP cleared in expenses probe

Kate Smail • Published 19 Nov 2010 09:30 0 Comments

TWEEDDALE MP David Mundell has been cleared by police over his election expenses.

The Tory MP was being investigated by Dumfries and Galloway Police over a £681 advert placed in this newspaper, which was wrongly declared as being placed before April 12.

If the sum had been declared within the correct period then Mr Mundell's spending would have been tipped over the legal limit by £466.

However, yesterday (Thursday), the Crown Office confirmed that no further action would be taken against Mr Mundell or his former election agent, Joe Dawson.

Mr Mundell, Scotland's only Conservative MP, became the subject of a criminal investigation after a complaint was made to police for alleged offences under the Representation of People Act.

In a letter to Mr Mundell, an official from the Crown Office stated: "I am writing to confirm that the Crown Counsel have considered the report submitted by Dumfries and Galloway Police in relation to alleged offences under the Representation of the People Act 1983 and have instructed that there are to be no criminal proceedings in this matter."

And a spokesperson for Mr Mundell said: "David is pleased to have confirmation from the Crown Office that, after an exhaustive investigation by Dumfries and Galloway police, no cause has been found to raise proceedings against him or his agent.

"After a report had been made by a Labour supporter, the police were obliged to investigate and David pays tribute to the thoroughness and courtesy of the police in carrying out their duties.

"As soon as they were identified, David acknowledged that there were mistakes in his election returns, apologised for them and immediately notified the Electoral Commission.

"He will now continue with his petition to the Court of Session to allow revised election returns to be lodged and will not be commenting further on the matter until that process is complete."

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This article appeared in Peeblesshire News 19 Nov 10

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