David Laws expenses
From what I can gather David Laws has paid his close friend or partner so he can use his flat in London for his government duties. Apparently this might be against rules introduced in 2006 as his close friend might be classed as a partner.
Many people who know David Laws say he is a person of integrity and the amound paid is very small in comparison with what he could have claimed. He says he claimed it because he didn’t want people to be aware of the relationship.
This seems doubly difficult in that he is now a member of the cabinet, which he probably never expected until a couple of weeks ago. Also there has been two years of controversy about expenses during which time this never came up.
Secondly he has been making a big impression in his new post and the coalition must be reluctant to move him as well as being reluctant to make changes at such an early stage of its formation.
The question is will this be a running sore if he stays. It probably depends on how its handled and how much good will David Laws can muster. Also how it compares with other MP’s situations. Even if it comes out justifiable there are some who will undoubtedly not let this pass, although the opposition might not want to appear to be making an issue that could be construed as being driven by sexual orientation prejudices.
Tough decision for Mssrs Cameron and Clegg. Hope David Laws survives as talent shouldn’t be wasted.