EXPENSE MPS BOOTED OUT

RATTLED Labour finally dumped the three MPs charged with fiddling expenses yesterday, prompting David Cameron to accuse them of “humiliating” retreat.

Elliot Morley, David Chaytor and Jim Devine were banned from party activities, days after the Tory leader acted against a Conservative in the Lords.

The Tories claimed PM Gordon Brown and associates made their decision only after their hand was forced by pressure in the press. Mr Cameron said: “In a humiliating change, they have actually withdrawn the Labour whip from all three of those MPs.

“They are now in a headlong retreat.

“The last 24 hours, I believe, have shown the instincts of the Conservative Party, when it comes to this issue about expenses, are in tune with the public mood, are in the right place, and Labour’s are not.”

Labour said it followed party rules in deciding what to do with the trio.

Deputy Labour leader Harriet Harman said: “If they are found guilty, they will be expelled.” Morley Chaytor and Devine have indicated they may use parliamentary privilege as their defence in court.

The 320-year-old Bill of Rights gives MPs immunity from prosecution.

Mr Cameron said of the Prime Minister: “Look how he tolerates the disgusting sight of Labour MPs taking parliamentary privilege designed to help MPs fight for their constituents, for truth and justice and abuse it in order to save their skins.”

Downing Street said Mr Brown was ready to change the law to block the loophole if necessary.

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