Exclusive: Defiant MP Shahid Malik "I have done nothing wrong"

May 20 2009 Huddersfield Daily Examiner

“The Prime Minister was very clear that the actions we agreed were for an alleged breach of the Ministerial Code and nothing to do with my expenses claims,’’ he said.

The allegation is that he paid under that market value on his second home and constituency office in Dewsbury.

Mr Malik spoke of the tough times he has faced in recent days.

“In fact the last few weeks have been a nightmare,’’ he said. “There is so much cynicism out there and MPs have contributed to it.

“I hope the pain will prove healthy for democracy in the longer term, but it has been a devastating period for me personally.

“I have to deal with the issue of the alleged breach of the Ministerial code and then I’ll be clearer of the challenges I will have for the future.

“It’s been a pretty miserable period for me. I am one MP among hundreds and have no idea why I was singled out, but at the end of the day I’m accountable to my constituents and they will judge me not on the issue of expenses, but whether or not I have worked hard and made a difference to the area I represent.’’

He said he had claimed, to the exact penny, the same amount as Huddersfield MP Barry Sheerman and Colne Valley MP Kali Mountford for his second home – Š£23,083 for the last year.

“It is expensive to have a second home in London,’’ he said. “But we need one to be Parliamentarians.’’

He added: “The current expenses system is not fit for purpose and it has to be transformed quickly.

“People have the right to be angry. People have the right to be horrified.

“We have to move forward with a new system that commands the public’s trust.’’

He also stressed that unlike other MPs he has no paid directorships.

“I have committed myself to being an MP for my constituents.’’