MSP Stone's Home Shame

Mar 2 2008 By Mark Aitken Political Editor

Exclusive Lib Dem Rushes To Beat Cash Deadline

AN MSP has rushed to buy a second home at taxpayers' expense - weeks before new rules would have banned him from cashing in.

Lib Dem health spokesman Jamie Stone joined the ranks of MSPs amassing millions in profits from second homes.

Members whose first home is too far from Holyrood to commute can claim back mortgage payments under the Edinburgh Accommodation Allowance.

This month Parliament officials are expected to order a "claw back" of taxpayers' money from profits when the home is sold.

But it is likely only to apply to future property purchases.

This would mean Stone would not have to hand over any profit from his new £180,000 flat.

Stone claims £772 a month for the mortgage on his flat in the capital's Bell Place, which will total £9264 a year. But in 2006-7, his Edinburgh hotel bills only amounted to £6416. The Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross MSP once sparked controversy by claiming a £200 tea set on expenses.

Last night Matthew Elliott, of the Taxpayers' Alliance, said: "It will raise eyebrows that this MSP decided to take advantage of the generous mortgage allowances before the review reported.

"The honourable thing would have been to wait for the new arrangement, rather than this unseemly rush to get his feet under the table."

Stone would not comment last night.

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