MP's expenses trial set to begin

The trial of MP Eric Illsley is expected to begin today.

The former Labour representative for Barnsley Central, will appear at Southwark Crown Court in London today, in connection with charges relating to his parliamentary expenses.

The 55-year-old MP faces three charges of false accounting, relating to three years of expenses claimed on his second home in London.  He is accused of dishonestly claiming around £25,000.

It is alleged that Illsley dishonestly claimed expenses for council tax, service and maintenance, repairs and insurance, utilities and communications at his second home in Renfrew Road, Kennington, south London, between May 2005 and April 2008.

Illsley, of Westmoor Crescent, Pogmoor, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, was suspended from the Labour Party and now sits as an independent after being re-elected in May's general election.

We will be releasing a statement giving our reaction to this case after its conclusion.

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