Surely by now we all know about the labour MP Jim Devine's claims for office shelving and the electrical work he had done on his London flat supported by a dodgy invoice, but now Mr Devine has been asked to explain why he claimed for a new bathroom after it was flooded - despite having buildings insurance.
Actually it's worse than that. Mr Devine billed the taxpayer twice within a year for the same bathroom in his publicly-funded London flat. He claimed £1350 for a 'replacement shower, paint and tiles' in June 2008, followed by a £1632 upgrade eight months later. The second refurbishment was necessary due to a flood Mr Devine is reported to have said.
Now I won't suggest you guess who paid his buildings insurance because you must know. Aye, we did.
The Met launched an inquiry into Mr Devine's previous claims and the investigation is still ongoing.
A labour spokesperson said: "Mr Devine was barred from being a labour candidate as a result of our internal process set up after the publication of MPs' expenses. He will not be standing at the next election."
Slightly inaccurate comment from the spokesperson (don't you hate that word? Why can't they say spokesman or spokeswoman?). Jim Devine could stand as an independent.
That aside, are the Met drawing out this inquiry so as their findings are publicised just before the general election is announced?
More importantly, if Mr Devine is found guilty of fraud, will he receive his 'golden handshake' and handsome pension just like Derek Conway? Westminster is indeed a club and not one over which the electorate has any control. We should be setting their rules and salaries, not them.
Incidents like this will continue no doubt, particularly when the punishment is so minimal. If the offender's pay-offs and pensions were affected, maybe then we would see an end to some politicians treating the electorate with contempt.
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21 comments:
Cut off his goolies.
I know a farmer who has two half bricks.
Time Jim disappeared, noting else to say, well perhaps - fucking robbing bastards.....ooops sorry should have said that over at Dark Lochnagar's place, can't help my touretts or whatever it is SR.
CD
Too good for him Billy.
CD didn't you know DL has given up using expletives? Or am I thinking of someone else...
Oh dear, how the whole thing is starting to fall down for some of these freeloaders.
Those that were found out should certainly receive no severence pay until every halfpenny they stole is returned. The they should go to jail like "ordinary" people do.
But they won't Tris, one rule for them and another for us. That's where it's all wrong but we are powerless to do anything about it.
Use the ballot box they shout. That makes no difference really.
What is really soooooo depressing is that guys of this calibre get to represent decent honest people. It's being able to detect the so and so's at an early stage that's the problem. Especially in some parties where it appears that Buggins turn rules OK.
I reported Devine to L&B Police and then to Met when L&B kindly supplied person in Met who was handling complaints about MPs.
I wonder if the plumber who did up his bathroom was also a publican? Or maybe Jim paid in cash?
Yes SR and Dram:
That's the problem, or rather these are the problems. They get away with it; they are the kind that get paid all that money to represent decent ward working folk; the ballot box makes no difference in the majority of seats in UK elections, and they have a job for life.
What is wrong with people that they want to stay with this corrupt system of governance?
I think it's because it's the only system of governance on offer Tris. Either vote for what we've got or don't vote at all.
I think it's because it's the only system of governance on offer Tris. Either vote for what we've got or don't vote at all.
Strathturrent, I wonder if he claimed on his insurance too. Wouldn't be surprised would you?
Unfortunately it is the same with our councils Subrosa and not just councillors.
Some councils are worst having been one party feifdoms for so long.
It is amazing what you find when you go digging but trying to get the police and prosecution service in Scotland to do anything is a joke - they are much better at that in England and Wales here they just try to cover it up.
That doesn't surprise me Billy. So many councils run by labour for most of my lifetime.
Why are the police so reluctant to investigate these matters? Are the police more politised here in Scotland than the rest of the UK?
I just glad he's been deselected. He should have done the decent thing and quit when the Sunday Herald broke his first lot of expenses issues.
He's a very stupid man. Given his Labour heartland position, he was in a job for life if he hadn't gotten even greedier.
Did any of them resign though Hammer? I don't think so. It's a club and they hang on even though publicaly disgraced.
Hi Subrosa, fair enjoyed your writings over the years and embarrassed to say I've just discovered your blog, excellent!
Back to the topic: If we pay the insurance premium covering JD's bathroom why did we also have to pay for the renovations after the flood (some sort of Devine retribution I guess!)? Doesn't the policy say that you cant claim if you have recovered the costs from another source? Maybe he didn't claim from the insurance (that we presumably pay for).
Robert (AKA Guy Wersh)
Robert - that was going to be my headline when he's jailed!! Devine retribution I mean. Doubt it though, it'll all be covered up like David Marshall's claims of thousands of pounds for an office which was the front room of his home (which we also paid for).
"Robert - that was going to be my headline when he's jailed!!"
LOL It's all yours Subrosa, I make no claims upon it. I just wish that you were able to use it under those circumstances.
We need at least a few of these crooks being sent to "The Big Hoose" to concentrate their minds!
Robert, I think you're confusing me with another Subrosa. I've not been writing for years, it's not even one year yet.
Mind you some of my readers may think I've been ranting on about one thing and another for years. :)
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