The Telegraph reports today that the Parliamentary Commissioner is having problems investigating cases as potential witnesses are reluctant to have their identity published.The articles mentions the Keens (though not directly saying that Brentford witnesses are involved).http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/6840857/MPs-expenses-formal-investigations-into-questionable-claims-hampered-by-block-on-anonymous-evidence.html"John Lyon, the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, has opened formal probes into dozens of MPs following the disclosures of widespread misuse of the expenses system.But potential witnesses to some of the worse abuses are being turned away by the Commissioner’s office due to strict rules, drawn up by the MPs themselves, which bar anonymous whistleblowers. Many witnesses such as friends, neighbours, fellow Parliamentarians and employees may be reluctant to contact Mr Lyon with evidence contradicting an MP’s version of events if they are aware that their statements will not be treated in confidence.............Alan and Ann Keen, the husband and wife Labour MPs, will also have their expenses looked in to by the Commissioner after it emerged that the house they declared as their main home, allowing them to claim second home expenses on a flat by the Thames in London, was left empty for up to a year."
Tim Henderson ● 5997d