A complaint has been made by Coatbridge’s MP to a parliament watchdog and police about alleged employment contract irregularities.
Steven Bonnar made an allegation of fraud to the Independent Parliamentary Standards Association (IPSA), reportedly claiming that former office manager Lynne Anderson had made contract changes without his approval.
Ms Anderson entirely denies the claim – saying any such amendments made during her role were with the MP’s authority and stated: “There is no fraud. This is complete fabrication.”
The issue is currently being “assessed” by police after being referred on by IPSA officials after the initial allegation last month; which was made shortly after Ms Anderson had stood down as manager of Mr Bonnar’s office.
A spokesperson for Mr Bonnar told the Airdrie and Coatbridge Advertiser: “It would be inappropriate to comment on a matter that is subject to investigation.”
Speaking to the Herald on Sunday, Ms Anderson said: “I amended all staff salaries, that was part of my job.
“I had permission. I had meetings with Mr Bonnar to discuss various pay rises for the full office. There's no fraud, nothing is being investigated and this is complete fabrication.”
She added of IPSA and police contact: “Nobody has been in touch with me,” and said: “There is no criminality so there is nothing to investigate.”
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) told the Herald on Sunday: “The MPS received a referral from IPSA on March 11; the matter is being assessed.”
Depending on the nature of complaints, IPSA officials either initiate a compliance investigation process or refer them to police; and a spokesperson for the parliamentary body told the Airdrie and Coatbridge Advertiser: “IPSA can confirm that it is not currently investigating.”
Councillor Anderson represents the Stepps, Chryston & Muirhead ward on North Lanarkshire Council; and after leaving Mr Bonnar’s office last month, went on to take up a new post working for SNP MP Joanna Cherry.
She has since gone on to join the new Alba party recently founded by Alex Salmond, and is second on its regional list for Central Scotland at next month’s Scottish Parliament election.
