Ex-MP loses newspaper libel claim

Mr Justice Tugendhat had already held at the High Court that the words about which Mr Cook complained were honest comment and yesterday said Mr Cook had failed in his attempt to defeat the defence by proving malice – that the newspaper or its journalists did not believe their comments were justified.

Mr Cook sued over three articles, including a leading article, which appeared in the Sunday Telegraph on May 31, 2009, reporting his Parliamentary expenses claims included one for reimbursement of the donation, made by an aide representing the then MP for Stockton North.

Mr Cook, who reimbursed the aide, admitted having made the claim for £5 – which was disallowed by Parliamentary authorities – but said he did so by mistake.

Mr Justice Tugendhat said yesterday Mr Cook had failed to establish the journalists lacked belief in the justification for comments made.