Wirral South MP Ben Chapman will stand down at next general election

May 27 2009 by Alan Weston, Heswall News

BEN Chapman has announced he will quit Westminster over the expenses scandal.

The Wirral South MP has confirmed he will not stand again at the next general election.

It was reported Mr Chapman had reclaimed the interest payments on the full value of a mortgage despite paying off £295,000 of the loan.

The “phantom mortgage” meant he benefited by £15,000 over a period of 10 months.

He was given permission to do this by the House of Commons fees office, and continued to declare his innocence after he announced his resignation last week.

The 68-year-old said: “I have done nothing wrong. The fees office has apologised for its incorrect advice and no loss to public funds has been established.

“However, there is simply too much pressure on my family. I may be able to withstand it, but my family should not have to.

“After reflecting on the harm done to my local party, as well as to my family and friends, I will be standing down at the next election.”

In particular, Mr Chapman said he was deeply upset when a media organisation used pictures of his daughter, asking: “What has my daughter got to do with it?

“I’m sorry that press reports have led me to this. I hope people will think I have been a fine MP.”

The announcement by Mr Chapman came just four days after the scandal made him front page news.

His files suggested he argued for the higher payments, noting: “By paying off capital, I am forgoing interest and investment opportunities elsewhere.”

The backbencher said he had decided to go despite “receiving assurances” from Labour chief whip Nick Brown that he was not facing disciplinary action.

In his statement released last night, Mr Chapman said: “The House of Commons Fees Office have expressed their apologies and regret that the advice they gave me was incorrect.”

By staying on until the next general election, expected next May, Mr Chapman will receive between six and 12 months’ salary – at least £32,383 – plus a maximum of £40,799 for “winding-up costs” to terminate office leases and pay off staff.