Ian Gibson deselected in Norwich North

From @LabourList

Ian Gibson, the Labour MP for Norwich North has been deselected by his constituency. He is the first MP to be banned from standing at the next general election by the Party’s so-called star chamber.

Margaret Moran, David Chaytor and Elliot Morley were also deselected, but each had already announced they would stand down at the next election anyway.

A Labour Party spokesman said:

“The special NEC endorsements panel today unanimously recommended rescinding each of their endorsement as Labour candidates. They will not be able to stand as Labour candidates in any constituency at the next general election. The organisation committee of the Labour Party’s NEC agreed with the panels’ recommendations and new prospective parliamentary candidates will be selected to join Labour’s hardworking councillors in Bury, Norwich, Scunthorpe and Luton.”

M Gibson had claimed £80,000 over four years for a second home he allowed his daughter and her boyfriend to live in rent-free.

In a statement on his website last week, he said:

“I am issuing this statement to clarify my situation with regard to the panel of the National Executive Committee of the Labour Party, who are investigating allegations surrounding MPs allowances. They have asked to meet with me shortly to discuss allegations in my case. I will of course attend. I will also comply, as will every MP, with the independent committee who are charged with investigating all MPs expenses. In the light of the forthcoming NEC investigation, I do not intend to make any further comments or carry out any interviews which may prejudice their decision.”

Gibson’s full expenses were published on his website, and can be found here.