West Lancs MP Rosie Cooper hits out over snack food expenses claims

Jul 2 2009 by John Siddle, Ormskirk Advertiser

FURIOUS West Lancs MP Rosie Cooper last night hit out at two national newspapers for “dirty politics and disgraceful journalism”.

The Labour MP was dubbed “Roly Rosie” in one national newspaper, with another speculating about her dress size following revelations about her “naughty nibbles” – items of snack food paid for by the taxpayer.

They accused her of billing the public for crisps, sandwiches, doughnuts and chocolate.

But the Advertiser has seen documents that prove the food claims were legitimately made on behalf of Westminster interns, who were working for Ms Cooper unpaid.

Parliament allows the out-of-pocket expenses of non-salaried volunteers.

Ms Cooper stormed: “I am furious at these lies. There is a certain rough and tumble to politics but this is just dirty politics and disgraceful journalism.

“If I’d been Kate Moss-like then I doubt very much this story would have appeared.

“These claims were to pay back the out of pocket travel and lunch costs directly to an intern who worked unpaid in my office.