Labour MPs call for a full probe of Baroness Warsi’s expenses
LABOUR MPs yesterday called for a full investigation into the expenses of Conservative Party co-chair, Baroness Warsi, after reports she claimed for staying at a house where she paid no rent.
Shadow business secretary Chuka Umunna called for a “proper independent investigation” and MP John Mann said he would ask the Lords Commissioner for Standards to investigate. Other opposition MPs said there should be a police enquiry.
Lady Warsi said she made “appropriate” payments equivalent to what she was paying at the time in hotel costs. But the owner of the house where she was staying, Dr Wafik Moustafa, said he was not paid.
Lady Warsi was reportedly claiming £165.50 a night for “subsistence”.
In a statement, the Baroness said she bought a flat in Wembley in September 2007 but it was not due to be ready until the following year. She said while it was being finished she stayed predominantly at two hotels, but also for “occasional nights” in Acton with Tory party official Naweed Khan, who later became her special adviser.
Khan confirmed she had paid him for the accommodation, but Moustafa says he did not receive it.
Separately, Lady Warsi also apologised for the “oversight” of not fully declaring rental income for the Wembley flat after she moved out in June 2010.
The Baroness failed to inform the register of Lords’ interests that she was letting the property but said she has now rectified that “omission”.