Mortgage row MP Morley stands down
Former minister Elliot Morley, who claimed £16,800 of taxpayer-funded allowances for a non-existent mortgage, has said he will not stand for re-election as an MP.
Mr Morley announced his decision not to fight the seat at the next general election after a meeting with local Labour Party activists in his Scunthorpe constituency.
He said: "It is with regret that I have today informed the General Committee of the Scunthorpe Constituency Labour Party and the party general secretary that I do not wish to contest this seat at the next election."
He added: "This is my choice after discussing this with my family and constituency party officers. The last two weeks have been traumatic for me and I have to think of my family and my health, both of which have suffered.
"Nor do I want in any way to undermine the strong position the Labour Party has in this constituency in what will be a crucial election."
The ex-environment minister is presently suspended from the Parliamentary Labour Party pending a sleaze watchdog investigation and a possible police inquiry.
He blamed the 18-month false claim, which he has repaid, on "sloppy accounting".
