Smith Complaint

Mr John Lyon CB, Commissioner Office of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards House of Commons London SW1A 0AA Sent by Fax to : 020 7219 0490 9 February, 2009 RE : Jacqui Smith Parliamentary Second-Home Allowance Dear Mr Lyon, No doubt you will have seen the article in yesterday's Mail on Sunday newspaper detailing Jacqui Smith MP's living arrangements. It would seem that she is lodging with her sister in London and claiming an allowance for a "second home" which is in fact her primary residence. Her family live in the so-called second home, and she spends most nights in that home according to her aide. It would seem that she does not in fact even own a second home of her own, yet she claims a second home allowance. You will recall that some years ago Michael Trend MP made false claims for allowances for staying in London and as a result had to pay back the money claimed (£90,277) and stood down as an MP in disgrace. There appears to be prima facie a case to answer in respect of Jacqui Smith's arrangements. We urge you to commence an investigation into this affair as soon as possible. Furthermore please consider whether there is a possible criminal case to be referred to the police for investigation under the sections of the Fraud Act which deal with the offence of "obtaining by deception". We would be grateful if you could acknowledge receipt of this letter. Thanks in advance for your cooperation.

Yours sincerely,

Harry Cole, Rapporteur Centre for Open Politics [email protected]

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