The leader of the opposition party at Hertsmere Borough Council has told Oliver Dowden MP to distance himself from the Elstree Film Studios expenses scandal.
Hertsmere Labour Party’s chair, Dr Dan Ozarow questioned whether the MP for Hertsmere received funds for his general election campaign in 2015.
Auditors identified ‘significant issues’ around conflict of interest, misuse of expenses, and breaches of the 2006 Companies Act by Conservative councillors.
The MP is being asked to distance himself from the alleged abuse of public assets and to condemn the behaviour of council leader and chairman of Elstree Film Studios, Morris Bright and councillor Paul Morris.
He is also being asked to call upon the council to implement the recommendations of the auditors without delay.
In an open letter to Mr Dowden MP, he said: “Hertsmere residents have expressed deep concern and anger at this abuse of public assets by elected councillors, the Hertsmere Conservative Association and the Local Government Association Conservative Group.
“Oliver Dowden is also personally implicated as he was apparently guest of honour at the criticised 2015 Hertsmere Conservative Association fundraising dinner held at Elstree Studios during his parliamentary election campaign. I assume that he had no knowledge of the irregular nature of the use of the Studios at the time but am seeking clarification on this.”
Oliver Dowden MP commented: “I have nothing to add to what’s already been said by Cllr Bright and Cllr Morris. I am pleased the Council will be acting on the recommendations the report made.
“Regarding donations and election expenditure, these were all registered with the Electoral Commission.”
To view the donations, visit https://bit.ly/2KG9u0M
Picture courtesy of Hoss Photography
0 Comments