Laws pays price for expenses claims

  • 14 years ago

The coalition Government is counting the cost after the minister charged with slashing public spending quit over expenses abuses.

Treasury Chief Secretary David Laws became the coalition's first casualty after it emerged he had channelled tens of thousands of pounds of public money in rent to his secret boyfriend.

Announcing his departure, the Liberal Democrat said: "I do not see how I can carry out my crucial work on the Budget and spending review while I have to deal with the private and public implications of recent revelations."

Prime Minister David Cameron praised millionaire Mr Laws as a "good and honourable man", suggesting he could return to government "in time". Lib Dem deputy PM Nick Clegg said the Yeovil MP's downfall had been caused purely by his desire for privacy, which had now been "cruelly shattered".

The loss of Mr Laws, after just 17 days in office, is a major setback for the Tory-Lib Dem coalition. He was a pivotal figure in negotiations between the parties after the inconclusive general election result and has since impressed Conservatives with the vigorous way he set about implementing spending curbs.

Mr Laws has been replaced by Danny Alexander, another key figure in coalition talks, who will now take centre stage in pushing through the Government's drastic programme of cuts. His former role of Scottish Secretary has been taken by Lib Dem colleague Michael Moore.