The parliamentary watchdog has announced that it will take no further action after conducting a review into reports that Douglas Ross, the leader of the Scottish Conservatives, may have improperly used Westminster expenses for travel related to his role as a football linesman.Mr. Ross had come under scrutiny following allegations that he had charged travel expenses to the public purse for journeys undertaken in his capacity as a football official. Critics questioned whether such claims were appropriate given his parliamentary duties.
In response to the allegations, Mr. Ross maintained that all his expenses claims were above board and had been approved by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA). He emphasised the seriousness of any breaches of expense rules but expressed confidence in the legitimacy of his claims.
“Any breaking of the rules with expenses is a serious breach,” Ross acknowledged, “but I am very comfortable with the claims I have made.”
This evening, IPSA issued a statement confirming that their review had cleared Mr. Ross of any wrongdoing.
“We have reviewed Mr. Ross’s travel claims, relating to the allegations made in the press, and met with him to discuss the issues that have been raised,” an IPSA spokesperson said. “Following this review, we are satisfied that the claims were within IPSA’s rules, and no further action is required.”
