Over the last few weeks many MPs dragged into allegation relating to expenses, and some have no case to answer – it is a simple case of “hook line and sinker”. However, on the other the hand some MPs appear to be guilty by “trial by media”; I would have a simple test to judge their claims – are they acceptable to the people of the East Marsh. My own view is that many of the claims, by the Tories, Labour MPs and some of the Liberal Democrats do appear questionable using my East Marsh test. 

However, from what I have recently regarding Liberal Democrat MP for East Dunbartonshire, Jo Swinson in the Daily Express, the Mail and in the Telegraph – I am sure she is completely innocent, and is a victim of “trial by media”. Stephen Tall writes a very interesting article on Liberal Democrat Voice Website in which he defends both Sir Alan Beith MP, and Jo Swinson’s expenses, he points out that: “Apparently some cosmetic items – for which Jo did not claim – appear on receipts alongside other items for which Jo has made expenses claims.”   

Jo Swinson is the youngest Parliamentarian, and was elected at age of 25 in 2005. Hence, it appears that newspapers have unfairly played on the fact the she appeared to claim for cosmetics. In fact the cosmetics were on receipts submitted to fees office but never claimed; Jo Swinson told the Daily Telegraph that: she had not claimed for the eyeliner, suggesting that it featured on a receipt that included other items for which she did seek repayment. No items other than cosmetics appeared on the receipt in question — it seemed to be the second of two pages, the first of which is missing.  

Jo also issued a statement on her website which said: “Contrary to reports in today’s Daily Telegraph, I have never claimed for eyeliner, nor any other cosmetics. 

I did not claim for the “29p dusters” or cleaning products. I have claimed for duplicates of the basic pieces of bathroom and kitchen equipment that I use in my main home. None of these items would have been necessary for me to buy if my job did not require me to travel to London and live away from home for half of the week. 

I have made no personal profit from my expense claims. From the start I have routinely submitted receipts for my claims, even where not required. In Parliament I have for years now been urging reform of the expenses regime, called for independent audit and actively campaigned for greater transparency. Since the start of the 2008/9 financial year, I have also voluntarily published my expenses on a quarterly basis. 

I am very happy to discuss any aspect of my expense claims with constituents by email, on the telephone or in person at one of my regular surgeries.” 

Interestingly, Jo Swinson is one of a few MPs who publish details of her parliamentary expenses on her web page, to see the visit: http://www.joswinson.org.uk/pages/MPexpenses.html 

Speaking in today’s edition of the Grimsby Evening Telegraph Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Great Grimsby, Councillor Andrew De Freitas said: “The investigation into MPs expenses ought to go back 10 years and anyone found to have claimed mortgage payments when the mortgage was paid ought to face a criminal investigation.

“The establishment parties, the Conservatives and Labour have blocked attempts to lift a veil of secrecy.”