MP faces loan interest claim probe
An investigation has been launched by Labour into claims MP Ben Chapman was given permission by Commons authorities to claim taxpayer-funded allowances for loan interest he was no longer paying, a Downing Street political spokesman said.
The Daily Telegraph said correspondence showed the MP sought and was given permission to reclaim the interest payments on the full value of his original mortgage despite paying off £295,000 of the loan in 2002.
He benefited by £15,000 over 10 months from the arrangement, which documents suggested was not unique to him, the newspaper said.
A Number 10 political spokesman said: "The Chief Whip has spoken to Ben Chapman.
"He is investigating documents provided by Mr Chapman and will seek further clarification from him and the Fees Office in the morning."
