Police will investigate MPs' expenses
Updated on 19 June 2009
A small number of MPs and peers will face criminal investigations into allegations they misused their expenses, it has been revealed.
Scotland Yard confirmed tonight that a joint assessment panel of senior detectives and prosecutors decided full inquiries were necessary.
The police inquiries were expected to focus on politicians accused of deliberately misleading the authorities or claiming "phantom mortgages".
The investigation will be conducted by officers from the Met's Economic and Specialist Crime Command, overseen by Temporary Assistant Commissioner Janet Williams. It is understood the joint panel of experts will continue to consider a small number of other individuals.
A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "After consideration by the joint Metropolitan Police and Crown Prosecution Service assessment panel the Met has decided to launch an investigation into the alleged misuse of expenses by a small number of MPs and peers."
Labour MPs David Chaytor and Elliot Morley, both claimed thousands of pounds in "phantom" mortgage interest, it was revealed last month.
It was also reported that Baroness Uddin claimed an empty Maidstone flat was her main home so she could claim expenses for peers living outside the capital.
So far MPs have repaid nearly £500,000 in claims after weeks of damaging revelations culminating in the resignations and suspensions.
Cathy Newman reports on the police investigation.
