MPs' expenses: Wirral MP Ben Chapman’s fate hangs in balance

May 19 2009 Liverpool Daily Post

Ben Chapman

Opponent declares himself ‘shocked’ by Chapman’s claims

BEN CHAPMAN’S position came under further pressure last night after the deputy leader on Wirral Council called for him to “now consider his position”.

Cllr Simon Holbrook, leader of the Liberal Democrats on Wirral and deputy leader of the Council in a coalition with Labour, said: “If Ben Chapman was claiming back mortgage interest that he wasn't paying out for, then it is hard to see how he thought that it would be justifiable.

“He should now consider his position.”

Steve Foulkes, leader of Wirral Council, said he would not be making any comment about individuals.

But he said: “It’s sad for the whole of politics across the parties. It will take a long time to get credibility back into the system.”

Tory Jeff Clarke, who is challenging Mr Chapman in the constituency, added that he was “shocked” at the details of Mr Chapman’s expense claims.

He said: “I was shocked and disappointed to hear the latest allegations, this time concerning the Labour MP for Wirral South.”

Mr Clarke said: “At a time when so many people are struggling to meet their mortgages, there is widespread disgust that MPs can claim expenses for mortgages that do not exist.

“As David Cameron has said, the only way to resolve this crisis of confidence is for an immediate General Election.”

Bebington councillor Walter Smith defended Mr Chapman, and said he had emailed the Prime Minister this week saying the expenses system had been a “time bomb” which “causes problems for the rest of us politicians”.

Cllr Smith said he had always found Mr Chapman “meticulous” and his statements made clear he had acted as instructed by the Parliamentary Fees Office.

He said: “It’s a difficult position living in London five days a week and having a constituency home, and very expensive.”