Denis MacShane facing 12-month ban from Commons, career “effectively over”

Rotherham MP Denis MacShane has been suspended from the Labour Party after a report by parliamentary watchdogs found that he “knowingly submitted nineteen false invoices” to expenses administrators which were “plainly intended to deceive”.

The report from the Standards and Privilege Committee, which examined expense claims relating to his concludes:

This is so far from what would be acceptable in any walk of life that we recommend that Mr MacShane be suspended from the service of the House for twelve months.

A statement from the Labour Party:

“These are very serious findings concerning Denis MacShane and we accept his statement this morning that his career as a Labour MP is effectively over. In the light of the report’s recommendations to the House the Labour Party has suspended Denis MacShane with immediate effect, pending a full NEC enquiry. We will be talking to Denis MacShane about his future and the best course of action for him and for his constituency.”

A statement released on MacShane’s website reads:

“I am shocked and saddened that the BNP has won its 3 year campaign to destroy my political career as a Labour MP despite a full police investigation which decided not to proceed after investigations and interviews. I am glad the Committee notes that there is no question of personal gain. Clearly I deeply regret that the way I chose to be reimbursed for costs related to my work in Europe and in combating anti-semitism, including being the Prime Minister’s personal envoy, has been judged so harshly. I remain committed to work for progressive values, for Britain playing a full part in Europe, and for combating anti-semitism even though I can no longer undertake this work as a Labour MP. I am consulting family and friends as I consider my position and study the full implications of the report. I am obviously desperately sorry for any embarrassment I have caused my beloved Labour Party and its leader Ed Miliband whom I greatly admire.”

This is the second — and presumably final — time the MP has had the Labour whip withdrawn over expenses.