Another one bites the dust
Former Labour MP Jim Devine is set to go on trial on Wednesday accused of fiddling his parliamentary expenses. The former MP for Livingston is accused of falsely claiming costs for parliamentary duties in March 2009. The first count alleges that, between July 2008 and April 2009, Mr Devine dishonestly claimed £3,240 for cleaning services using false invoices. The second count alleges that, in March 2009, Mr Devine dishonestly claimed £5,505 for stationery using false invoices. Mr Devine, 57, of West Main Street, Bathgate, West Lothian, is on bail. He will appear before Mr Justice Saunders at London’s Southwark Crown Court. – Press Association
Former Labour MP Jim Devine’s trial over his expenses claims is due to start at Southwark Crown Court later. Mr Devine, 57, faces two charges of dishonestly claiming for cleaning and stationery, involving claims totalling £8,745. Mr Devine, who denies the charges, became MP for Livingston at a by-election in 2005, triggered by the death of Robin Cook. He stood down as an MP at the 2010 general election. Before becoming an MP, Mr Devine was the late foreign secretary’s election agent between 1983 and 2005. – BBC News
Nice one Dave
Chairman Niall Quinn confirmed last month talks had taken place with Miliband, who is MP for South Shields and an Arsenal fan, with reports at the time suggesting the role would carry a £50,000 salary. Quinn said: ”We are delighted and honoured to welcome David toSunderland and I am certain he can bring an extra dimension to us as a club. ”He is already a great champion of our ethos of community involvement and will be a fabulous asset on this front. ”His intelligence and ability to achieve fit perfectly with our vision for the future of this club and our aim to be strong and great for many years to come. ”Adding David to our board in a non-executive capacity provides us with someone who possesses a different spectrum in envisaging how the club can grow.” – Daily Telegraph
David Miliband, MP for South Shields, will take up the position of non-executive vice chairman of the club. Mr. Miliband will attend board meetings (approximately six a year), help shape the club’s strategy, and promote its international and community efforts. Sunderland AFC is seeking to open a new chapter in its long and proud history. With stability at the top and improved consistency on the field, the club is setting a course to establish a permanent presence among the Barclays Premier League’s top sides. David Miliband’s appointment is designed to further ensure that the right people are in place off the field to give the team maximum support on the field. Sunderland AFC chairman Niall Quinn said: “We are delighted and honoured to welcome David to Sunderland and I am certain he can bring an extra dimension to us as a club. He is already a great champion of our ethos of community involvement and will be a fabulous asset on this front. “His intelligence and ability to achieve fit perfectly with our vision for the future of this club and our aim to be strong and great for many years to come. “Adding David to our Board in a non-executive capacity provides us with someone who possesses a different spectrum in envisaging how the club can grow. As a former Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs with worldwide knowledge and links, he can also help us become better known around the world as we look to grow and develop the club on an international stage. “His unique skills will certainly complement our highly talented existing board members whose areas of expertise include marketing and commercial, legal and finance.” – Sunderland AFC
Not ‘new’ Labour but…
Talk has started in Ed Miliband’s circle of what to call the Labour Party after he declared “New” Labour dead. Plain Labour was deemed boring so he’s mulling over fresh descriptions. Newer, Newest, Renewed and Radical were kicked about. But one very prominent figure, I hear, wants Miliband to adopt Progressive Labour. The idea is to appear edgy and hoover up unhappy Lib Dems without frightening traditionalists. How very New Labour! – Daily Mirror
The cuts now hit our Hilda
A GREAT-GREAT gran was forced to leave her care home the day after her 101st birthday because of council cutbacks. Hilda Finlow was moved into private care yesterday as her home, where she had lived for the past seven years, is being shut to help save £35million. She moved into Stanfield House, Stanley, Co Durham, after breaking her hip. Hilda said: “The move is really disruptive. I would much rather stay.” Daughter Jean Piper, 74, said: “All five generations got together for her birthday, but it was a day tinged with sadness.” Lesley Jeavons from Durham County Council said: “We realise this may be a difficult time.” – Daily Mirror
Tags: David Miliband, Jim Devine
