Ottaway did not declare US trip funded by Liam Fox charity
CROYDON South MP Richard Ottaway has broken parliamentary rules by failing to declare an American trip funded by a controversial right-wing charity.
Atlantic Bridge – set up by shamed former Defence Secretary Liam Fox – paid for Mr Ottaway to fly out to the States in 2007.
But he has only now declared the trip – and claims he can't remember much of what he did while out there.
In a statement defending his position, he said: "I have no idea why this was not done in 2007 after the visit. There was no reason for the omission and I am at a loss to know how it happened.
"It very much falls into the 'cockup' category of human error. It was a low-key, short visit four years ago.
"Meetings were held with members of the Republican administration and some policy forums. I have very little precise recall of the visit.
"I recognised the name of the organisation and checked the registry recently as a result of reading about Atlantic Bridge in connection with Liam Fox MP.
"I was surprised there was no entry in 2007 and I took immediate steps to remedy the omission."
Mr Ottaway refused to answer any questions put to him by the Advertiser, saying he had nothing to add to the statement.
Atlantic Bridge was run by Mr Fox's close friend Adam Werrity and boasted Baroness Thatcher as its president, who called for it to be a "bulwark against the left".
It obtained charitable status in 2003 on the grounds that it was an "education and research scheme" but was dissolved in September this year following a damning Charity Commission report, which ruled it had shown few signs of improving education.
It is not known whether Mr Ottaway's omitted trip was charitable, but the blunder has sparked calls for action.
Tony Newman, Labour leader of the opposition at Croydon Council, said: "I am calling on Croydon Conservatives to take the toughest possible action against Richard Ottaway.
"This trip to the USA is a further slap in the face to local people in Croydon South, following hot on the heels of Mr Ottaway's parliamentary expenses scandal."
A Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards spokesman said: "Members are supposed to register these things within 28 days.
"If a complaint were received the commissioner would consider an inquiry."
The Register of Members' Interests also reveals Mr Ottaway received two tickets worth £1,150 to attend this year's Chelsea Flower Show from Japan Tobacco International.
In 2009 the Advertiser reported that Mr Ottaway had paid back thousands of pounds after claiming £5,395 for a bed from Harrods as part of £85,000 in second-home costs during the expenses scandal.
124 Comments
View all
by nicecityboy
Thursday, December 15 2011, 10:27AM
“I wonder what Ottaway's stance on the Eurozone and Camerons actions last week is?
Have any more fraudulent claims been made or bribes taken recently by this man?”
by Ivor_Shed
Friday, November 25 2011, 7:59AM
“136 comments - over a politician who used/exploited the expenses system (most did - and still do as far as they dare) and who 'forgot' to mention a funded trip - but has now corrected the records. If he has commited an offence worthy of punishment then it will be dealt with by the proper channels. The newspapers aren't interested because they have far more important things to report like photographers taking photos of celebrities who wouldn't be celebrities if they didn't have their photos taken. Ottoway's infringements are not newsworthy.
So we live on with the UK democratic voting system, like it or not. Ottoway was voted in by the majority of the constituents - their choice.
Time to move on.”
by thecynicalone
Friday, November 25 2011, 3:21AM
“or maybe its kirsty?”
by thecynicalone
Friday, November 25 2011, 2:58AM
“arfur, is that you charlie?”
by tbabygib
Thursday, November 24 2011, 9:44PM
“Aufer, Shivers all over, to think!!!! Sorry, didn't realize! but, I'm going to put it in my favourites and work towards being better than him. But be careful you know he is a nasty bit of work.”
by tbabygib
Thursday, November 24 2011, 9:14PM
“Aufer,again thank you, Love the new picture, big strong man indeed. Now maybe everyone will understand why I get Obsessive about things, I don't mean to and often say to myself, Don't say anything then I get Taken over and it just happens, I Get Passionate and fixated and can't let go' So All. Its Just Me.(AT the moment) :) On the Mend. Should have known me before !!”
by tbabygib
Thursday, November 24 2011, 8:55PM
“Thanks Aufer, Appreciated Kind thoughts. I am Working on my mental problems, Just takes time, Knocks like that doesn't help. You know?”
by tbabygib
Thursday, November 24 2011, 6:03PM
“The3rd, I will, as My mental health can not deal with is... Thank you. ( can't believe, I'm doing this....X )”
by The3rd
Thursday, November 24 2011, 4:31PM
“Ignore him tbabygib.
I really can't be bothered to trawl back, but isnt this Guy Matthews some kind of failed politician? I'm sure he said he was in politics until he realised he hated the very people he would represent. It would explain a lot of bitterness.”
by tbabygib
Thursday, November 24 2011, 4:19PM
“Guy, 2 POSTS JUST FOR ME !!!. Both of which are a total attack on "ME PERSONALLY"? why?.. 1, because I don't know where to put my.....,,,,,'S . So what, does that make me less intelligent than you? (Don't think so.!) And I don't think I'm, the only one on here that is Fixated, look at yourself, Blindly loving and adoring this cheat. (Can not say it he isn't as he has been caught out)............2. You attack my mental health.! what do you know about my mental health? Just because, I disagree with you then I'm MAD??? Nutty and what ever else you decide. You My Dear are out of control and need help, hope you get it and soon. 30.000 and dropping.!”