Alistair Darling says “it’s Gordon’s call whether I stay or go”

From @LabourList

Alistair Darling has just been on Sky News, where he said:

“I did not claim on 2 housees at the same time. I reclaimed the cost of the service charge. I left my flat in Kennington in September 2007. So I’m going to repay some of that money, about £350. I’ve made it clear that I regret what happened. I claimed entirely because I was living in the flat at the time, but after I left the flat and moved into Downing St, I’ve said that I will repay it.

“When I made that claim, I was living in the flat in Kennington. I didn’t actually move into Downing Street for two or three months. But I do not want to make a gain that I’m not entitled to and I unreservedly apologise for that.

All of us as ministers have to abide by the highest standards. I’ve tried to do what is right, to do what is required, to make sure I live up to the standards people expect of their elected representatives. I take complete responsibility for everything I do and will continue to strive for the highest possible standards. So where something has gone wrong, I will put it right.

It’s not [a reisgning matter] because it was a perfectly proper charge. But there’s no doubt people are thouroughly angry and feel very badly let down. It’s up to the Prime Minister [whether I stay or go]. He’s got to decide the team he wants. Gordon and I work very closely together, but it’s Gordon’s call. In the meantime I’m concentrating on the recession.”