Former MP Moran faces expenses fiddling charges

Ms Moran claimed for dry rot treatment on a home more than 100 miles from her constituency, and will be charged with illegally claiming more than £60,000 in expenses, prosecutors said today.

The Crown Prosecution Service said the MP will appear before City of Westminster magistrates’ court later this month.

The director of public prosecutions said there were no more parliamentary expenses fraud cases awaiting review. Keir Starmer QC said “there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest” to bring criminal charges against Moran.

Moran, who has been suspended by her party, claimed more than £20,000 for the treatment of dry rot at her Southampton home. The CPS announcement came after the case was held up when Moran said she was suffering ill health.

Criminal investigations into Moran centred on allegations that she repeatedly “flipped” her designated second home, making claims for properties in London, Luton and Southampton over a four-year period. The summons relate to 15 charges of false accounting, contrary to the Theft Act 1968.

“It is alleged that she claimed expenses for the furnishing and improvement of main residences between November 2004 and August 2008 through a scheme intended for the maintenance of second homes or offices,” the DPP said. She also faces six charges of forgery, where it is alleged that she submitted forged invoices.

Of 10 files of evidence handed to prosecutors, seven cases have resulted in charges. “There are no longer any cases to be considered by the panel,” Mr Starmer said.

“Margaret Moran now stands charged with criminal offences and has the right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that nothing should be reported which could prejudice her trial.”

Moran stood down at the last election. A Labour Party spokesman said: “Margaret Moran is suspended from membership of the Labour Party and is no longer an MP.”

The decision comes more than two years after revelations surrounding illegal claims by MPs came to light. David Chaytor, Eric Illsley, Elliot Morley, Jim Devine, Lord Taylor of Warwick and Lord Hanningfield have been jailed over the scandal.