UKIP MEP Tom Wise Arrested
UKIP troubles. EU Ref reports:
UKIP MEP Tom Wise was arrested last night on suspicion of obtaining money by deception. We understand he spent the night in custody and is now helping Bedfordshire Police with their inquiries.
The instigation is being supported both by the EU parliament authorities and OLAF – the EU’s “anti-fraud” office – and is believed to be part of more wide-ranging enquiries into the affairs of MEPs in UKIP and their parliamentary Independence and Democracy group. The veteran Danish former MEP and group leader, Jens-Peter Bonde, has been mentioned in connection with these.
One subject of the “broader inquiries” was identified by this blog in February 2007 and, while the attentions of Mr Plod are undoubtedly well deserved, and there is clearly a case to answer, the timing of Wise’s arrest and the fact that other UKIP MEPs are also under investigation is, to say the very least, unfortunate.
On the UKIP website:
In March 2007, UK Independence Party MEPs voted to withdraw the whip from Tom Wise following allegations that he had been misusing parliamentary allowances. Since that time he has not been a UK Independence Party MEP, despite his claims to the contrary.
Mr Wise had not informed the party of actions which were being taken against him and this was considered a severe breach of trust.
Under the rules of the party he was banned from holding any office or seeking candidature. He is sitting as an Independent MEP.
Posted: 21st, June 2008 | In: Reviews Comment | TrackBack | Permalink
