Shamed Illsley bows to inevitable

DAVID Cameron said his position was "untenable", Ed Miliband challenged him to "do the right thing" and his former Labour colleagues told him to go, so Eric Illsley was left with little choice but to announce he would quit as an MP.

Little more than 24 hours after becoming the first sitting MP to plead guilty to over-claiming 14,500 on his parliamentary expenses, the disgraced Barnsley Central MP yesterday released a brief statement confirming the end of a Commons career spanning nearly 24 years. Breaking the silence maintained since his appearance at Southwark Crown Court, he said: "I would like to apologise to my constituents, family and friends, following my court appearance, for the distress and embarrassment caused by my actions that I deeply, deeply regret."

He said he had already begun to wind down his parliamentary office and would resign from Parliament "before my next court appearance". There would be no further comment, he added.

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The news came as a relief to Labour officials, already dismayed that he had insisted on standing at the General Election despite the police investigation into his expense claims being under way. It will also be welcome news for a Government desperate to make progress in cleaning up parliament after the expenses scandal.

Above all it is a relief for parliamentary officials. Although he would have automatically lost his seat if handed a jail sentence of 12 months or more, he could have kept his seat if handed a lesser sentence.

The prospect had officials dusting off rules last used in 1954 when South Norfolk Tory Peter Baker was expelled following a resolution from fellow MPs.

Rother Valley Labour MP Kevin Barron sought to clarify the situation yesterday, but was stopped from discussing it on the floor of the Commons by Speaker John Bercow who said the matter was sub judice until sentencing.

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Labour grandee Sir Stuart Bell, who was among those pressing for Illsley's immediate ejection, welcomed his departure.

"He has made the right decision in the interests of his constituents, in the interests of the House of Commons, in the interests of his friends and family," he said. "It is a tragic end to what had been a fine parliamentary career."

To resign, Illsley will apply for the ceremonial post of Steward of the Manor of Northstead, which will trigger a by-election.

The 55-year-old, who has been MP for the constituency since 1987, will not receive a "golden goodbye" pay-off from Parliament, as the controversial system of resettlement grants – which could be worth up to 65,000 – ended after the General Election. He will still be able to claim for the costs of winding up his office.

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Labour, which had already suspended Illsley when he was charged just after the General Election, will now move to expel him from the party.

All three parties will now be rushed into choosing a candidate for the by-election.

Labour is unlikely to impose an all-woman shortlist after neighbouring Barnsley East MP Michael Dugher warned the party's ruling National Executive that such a move would not have local support.

The speed with which the party must act is likely to favour local candidates.

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Tim Cheetham, a councillor in the constituency, is a possible contender having previously applied for a nearby seat.

The Conservatives and Liberal Democrats – who were separated by only six votes at the General Election – will also have to act swiftly, although with an 11,000 majority the constituency is one of the safest Labour strongholds in the country.