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1. 

   PluckyMunky
   

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   It sounds as though he shags his landlord twice a week and that's about it. I know we don't have the details, but it doesn't sound particularly like a 'relationship'. I suppose you might argue that if he sleeps with his landlord all week, then he shouldn't be claiming for a 'room' but its a tenuous point. Perhaps there is more of this saga to come.

   He didn't want his sexuality known about but now he has been outed in the worst possible circumstances.

   While on the topic, it was a great relief to see that Malawi has bowed to international pressure and 'pardoned' the gay couple jailed for 18 years. Let us hope that echoes around Africa.

   Posted 3 years ago #
2. 

   Doctor Moptop
   

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   That's eight times per month. Double what I get and it costs me far more.

   His sexuality shouldn't come into it. However, claiming £40K for living with your boyfriend/girlfriend is a bit steep and a bit greedy. Why did he need to claim anything at all?

   Good leader on the Malawi issue in The Observer last week. The C of E has to shit or get off the pot as regards the African Anglican Church. Saying nothing about rampant homophobia condones the hate-fest. IMHO.

   Posted 3 years ago #
3. 

   PluckyMunky
   

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   I agree that the sexuality shouldn't come into it.

   If an MP lives in a house, with others, pays rent and puts it down as expenses, does the fact that he or she sleeps with someone in the same house come into the equation?

   I suppose it must do, particularly as Mr Laws, himself, is worried about it..

   Complicated, though.

   Posted 3 years ago #
4. 

   PluckyMunky
   

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   No, I take it back. I re-read the BBC report and Laws refers to 'his partner'. The 'rules' state that you can't claim for rent paid to a partner. I was wrong, sorry.

   Posted 3 years ago #
5. 

   Doctor Moptop
   

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   It's more than just sleeping with ones flatmate, though - no? (After all, who hasn't done that?)

   Laws refers to it as a 'relationship'. He claimed money over a five year period and moved from one property to another with his partner.

   Far more honest to sign a joint lease for a tenancy - as most flatmates do - and claim a fair share of the rent. Or have a joint mortgage and claim for a share of the mortgage payments.

   I understand that he wanted to keep his sexuality private (After all, who hasn't wanted that?) but I cannot see how he thought claiming £40K was even remotely moral ...

   Unfortunately, many people - when faced with expenses - try to make a profit. It must be something about human nature. It just makes it tricky for Laws to take the High Moral Ground as Expenses Enforcer. Still poacher turned gamekeeper might be effective ...

   The reason I feel sorry for him is that he has the face and bone structure of one of those stiff-upper-lip officers in a B&W film. The type who suffers very effectively in that strong and silent way.

   Posted 3 years ago #

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