Lib Dems condemn MP
Councillors in Hinckley and Bosworth have condemned their MP over his "absurd" expenses claims.
Bosworth MP David Tredinnick hit the headlines after it emerged he tried to claim for a course on intimate relationships and charged taxpayers for lessons about astrology.
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David Tredinnick
The Conservative MP also claimed for mobile phone charges of upto £1,000 a month.
At a full Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council meeting this week, Lib Dem councillor Stephen Bray attempted to table a motion calling for the MP's resignation.
It was changed to a question asking if council leader, fellow Liberal Democrat David Bill, agreed that recent headlines about Mr Tredinnick's "absurd" expenses claims damaged the reputation of the area – which he did.
Coun Bill told the meeting: "I think we have all been appalled by the news coming out of the House of Commons and I agree the news relating to our MP is no exception."
Mr Tredinnick's claims were only brought to light by The Daily Telegraph at the weekend.
Records showed the Commons fees office refused to reimburse him with taxpayers' money for a relationship seminar because it did not "fall within the remit" of expenses allowances.
Mr Tredinnick also claimed £6,385.55 for calls and text messages made on his two Nokia handsets between March 2007 and March 2008.
He denied the bills were excessive. He said the majority were to constituents and colleagues using his in-car hands free, and he rarely used his office telephone.
Between February and March 2006, he claimed £210 for software from a new age astrology company and £300 on tuition from the firm, Crucial Astro Tools, to learn to use it.
Mr Tredinnick said he had bought the software to help with a Parliamentary speech on alternative medicines. He said his claim for consultancy services from Crucial Astro Tools was linked to research into alternative medicine.
The course about relationships was about family breakdowns rather than anything salacious, and the £125 claim was never paid.
"There has been absolutely no malpractice at any time," he said.
Bosworth Conservative Office confirmed there had been no suggestion from within Tory ranks that Mr Tredinnick should stand down.
Last week, the Lib Dem-controlled council asked him to stay away from a council reception.
Mr Tredinnick received an official invitation to attend the borough council's reception for the Rally of the Midlands on Friday, but after he issued a press release suggesting the council was not doing enough about unauthorised traveller sites in Nailstone and Barlestone, deputy council leader Stuart Bray told him to stay away.
Mr Tredinnick said: "I was asked to the reception and the Liberals decided they were going to make a point of not talking to me. That was their issue."
7 Comments
by S Leonard, H & B
Friday, June 26 2009, 9:55AM
“People in glass houses should not throw stones. Lib Dem MPs acorss the country have also made shameful expense claims- the worst offender being their leader. In H & B, where the local Lib Dems think they rule supreme, they abuse council procedures, don't allow othe rmembers to speak, the press ignore a Tory walk-out. They are the ones who should be apologising for the way they waste council resources.”
by Jim S., Leicester
Thursday, June 25 2009, 2:19PM
“from the comments below i see the tory supporters are out in force and as usual trying to change the subject which actually is ... why their MP thinks he can use taxpayers money as his private bank account! shame on him”
by John, Markfield
Thursday, June 25 2009, 1:52PM
“It is good to hear that the Conservative councillors walked out and took no part in this shambles going on in Hinckley. Why on earth did the chief Executive get a grip on this disgracefull behaviour from the Lib Dems, Shame on you.”
by David, Desford
Thursday, June 25 2009, 1:48PM
“What a shambles while Rome is burning the lib dem children play games. Rest in peace HBBC as democracy is dead.”
by Dave, H&B
Thursday, June 25 2009, 12:42PM
“At least they can count on this to draw attention out of the Local Development Framework fiasco.
It's only going to permanently change the life of hundred thousands across the borough, not a big deal compared to that scandal isn't it ?”
by Kulgan, Crydee
Thursday, June 25 2009, 12:11PM
“How childish can the Lib Dems get.
"You didn't say nice things about us so you can't come to our party even though we did invite you"
No, that wasn't said in a playground although you may think it was. It was the actions of our elected officials running this fine Borough.
If the local councillors feel that our MP has done wrong, there are official channels to go through.
To un-invite him to a party because he criticised them is frankly ludicrous and very immature.”
by David Hankey, Great Easton, Leics.
Thursday, June 25 2009, 11:12AM
“Local Party Associations across the political divide have a duty not just to their own supporters but to the electorate as a whole to determine whether the sitting MP, in view of all these outrageous expenses scandals, should be de-selected or remain to carry on.
The electorate should not, in my view, have to wait until the next General Election but local activists should take the bull by the horns and do something positive if deemed necessary.”