Peer at centre of police probe (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

Peer at centre of police probe

11:19am Thursday 9th July 2009 in

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A LABOUR peer living in St Albans is at the centre of a police probe after admitting claiming £18,000 a year for overnight stays in London despite not spending anything at all.

Lord Clarke, of Hampstead, 77, admitted claiming an allowance of £174 a night when staying with London friends for free or even when returning to his home in St Albans.

Scotland Yard have launched an official investigation into £100,000 for overnight subsistence claimed by Lord Clarke since 2001.

The former trade unionist Anthony Clarke, and Labour Party chairman, is among three peers and two MPs currently under investigation over expenses claims.

Apologising for what he called a “terrible error” and implying the practice was common, Lord Clarke said he will try to “make amends” after speaking to his accountants.