Bills not paid on exes says Woolas

Phil Woolas today hit back over claims he had paid an accountant out of his Parliamentary expenses.

Last week MPs expenditure was published online, and since then the Milnrow and Newhey MP has come under fire over four bills from an accountantancy firm, each for £930.60.

Mr Woolas said the claim related to tax matters as an MP and Minister and the money is paid from the salaries allowance — not his expenses.

He said: “This is not money I receive and indeed I pay tax on it.

“If I was not an MP and a minister, I would not have to submit these returns. It is therefore allowed under both the fees system and rules.”