65. Extract from BBC News Article,
24 May 2009
Expenses row MP faces more claims
Tory MP Julie Kirkbride has been accused of allowing
her brother to live rent free in her taxpayer-funded home.
The News
of the World alleges Ian Kirkbride, 49,
registered a business to the flat in a Bromsgrove stately home.
The Bromsgrove MP said her brother was sometimes
there to look after her son and the claims were a "distortion".
[ ... ]
The newspaper says Ms Kirkbride has been claiming
over £1,000 a month in mortgage payments on the apartment
in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire—plus thousands of pounds for
maintenance.
Family support
But in a statement, she said: "My
brother, Ian, stays in my Bromsgrove apartment and in my London
home from time to time to help look after my son.
"I claim no expenses for my brother and neither
do I pay him or claim for his help. He also acts as a volunteer
in helping me with my office work and administration.
"Up and down the country families have their
relatives stay with them and get them to help with things like
childcare.
"Ian has his own home but prefers to stay
with me and help me.
"There is no cost to the taxpayer in the
arrangement and there is nothing for me to apologise for.
"To describe this arrangement as my brother
living rent-free is a total distortion."
[ ... ]
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