The Tory had been due to chair a meeting on the unfair effects of installing prepayment meters into vulnerable households in Stratford-upon-Avon
A Tory MP who claimed
£5,822 on expenses to pay for his heat and electricity was yesterday dropped
from chairing a charity’s meeting about unfair energy bills.
Nadhim Zahawi was due to meet other MPs to promote a report by his local Citizens Advice office into the ethics of giving prepay meters to the vulnerable.
But the branch in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warks, has axed him as chairman of the meeting over the furore.
Manager Sue Green said: “Stratford CAB has been working on a report into the unfair effects of prepayment meters on vulnerable households.
“To raise awareness of this report, we started planning a meeting in Parliament with MPs.
“Nadhim Zahawi MP was approached to chair this meeting.
“However, because of the national media reports about his expense claims that emerged in early November, we decided that there was a potential risk that focus could be diverted from the report.
“We recognise that Nadhim has been very supportive of Stratford CAB and we look forward to working with him in the future.”
Zahawi admitted he had mistakenly claimed for costs generated by his riding school. Mr Zahawi has repaid a £4,875.87 overpayment.
Speaking at the time he said: “On investigation I have made a mistake with the electricity.
“I will be paying back any money wrongly claimed immediately and I apologise unreservedly.
“While a meter was installed in the stable yard I have only been receiving one bill and had not deducted usage on that meter from my claims.”
Mirror
Nadhim Zahawi was due to meet other MPs to promote a report by his local Citizens Advice office into the ethics of giving prepay meters to the vulnerable.
But the branch in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warks, has axed him as chairman of the meeting over the furore.
Manager Sue Green said: “Stratford CAB has been working on a report into the unfair effects of prepayment meters on vulnerable households.
“To raise awareness of this report, we started planning a meeting in Parliament with MPs.
“Nadhim Zahawi MP was approached to chair this meeting.
“However, because of the national media reports about his expense claims that emerged in early November, we decided that there was a potential risk that focus could be diverted from the report.
“We recognise that Nadhim has been very supportive of Stratford CAB and we look forward to working with him in the future.”
Zahawi admitted he had mistakenly claimed for costs generated by his riding school. Mr Zahawi has repaid a £4,875.87 overpayment.
Speaking at the time he said: “On investigation I have made a mistake with the electricity.
“I will be paying back any money wrongly claimed immediately and I apologise unreservedly.
“While a meter was installed in the stable yard I have only been receiving one bill and had not deducted usage on that meter from my claims.”
Mirror
