FRI AM:Dewsbury MP Malik resigns from Government

May 15 2009 By Barry Gibson

DEWSBURY’S MP has resigned from the Government.

Shahid Malik stood down as justice minister at 11am today after becoming the latest politician caught up in the expenses scandal.

But a Conservative councillor told the Examiner that the Labour man’s resignation "wouldn’t wash with the electorate".

Today’s dramatic move came after a national newspaper said Mr Malik designated his London flat as his second home, allowing him to claim more than £60,000 on the property over three years.

The newspaper report claimed he designated a three-bedroom house in Dewsbury as his main home, paying £100 rent a week from his own pocket.

The Daily Telegraph also revealed that the MP claimed £2,100 for a 40-inch flat-screen television, though House of Commons authorities only paid out half this amount.

Mr Malik strenuously denied any wrongdoing today.

He said: "I have done absolutely nothing to apologise for. Once I explain the situation to my constituents, I’m sure they will be more understanding than the media are."

Mr Malik told BBC News this morning that his London flat was his second home, allowing him to legitimately claim expenses on the property.