Huddersfield MPs Malik and Sheerman in the clear over expenses

Oct 14 2009 By Barry Gibson

TWO MPs in the Huddersfield area have been cleared over their expenses claims.

Huddersfield’s Barry Sheerman and Shahid Malik of Dewsbury were both given a clean bill of health by Sir Thomas Legg yesterday.

The former civil servant has been reviewing all MPs’ expenses claims over the last five years following the string of scandals earlier this year.

Sir Thomas has caused controversy by limiting MPs to £2,000 a year for cleaning and £1,000 for gardening at their second homes – rules which did not exist when the claims were made.

Members of Parliament began receiving their letters from Sir Thomas yesterday, with some being asked to pay back thousands of pounds.

But Huddersfield MP Barry Sheerman was not asked to pay back any money.

Yesterday the Labour man said: "I’m pleased. I’ve kept scrupulously to the rules.

"Some of my colleagues have been affected by the change in the rules, but I’ve never claimed for gardening and I’ve only claimed a tiny amount for cleaning."

Dewsbury MP Shahid Malik was also given a clean bill of health yesterday.

The Labour man had to stand down from the Government earlier this year while his expenses were scrutinised. He was cleared of any wrongdoing and returned as a minister.

The chairman of Dewsbury Labour Party Stan Gostellow welcomed yesterday’s news.