The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa) will assess claims suggesting Pensions Minister Paul Maynard might have misused taxpayer money to fund Conservative Party

activities and campaigns. Ipsa oversees MPs' expenses and will refer the claims to its compliance officer for examination.

Mr. Maynard maintains he had appropriate agreements in place but expressed willingness to comply with Ipsa's findings. MPs receive public funding for their constituency offices specifically to serve constituents, with separate financing required for party-related work or campaigns.

Allegations reported by the Sunday Times imply that Mr. Maynard utilized his constituency office, funded by Ipsa, as the base for his local Conservative Association and potentially printed campaign material on office premises.

Having become aware of dual use of one location for both parliamentary and party-related work in 2022, Ipsa directed Mr. Maynard to formalize an agreement. However, given the claims suggesting previous breaches, Ipsa will further investigate.

Despite attempts to reach Mr. Maynard for comment, there has been no response. He mentioned having financial arrangements with Ipsa for the occasional use of his constituency office by the local Conservative association, seeking clarification on their appropriateness.

Downing Street referred inquiries to the Conservative whips' office, which referred back to Mr. Maynard's comments to the newspaper without providing an additional statement.

Opposition parties have demanded a thorough investigation into the allegations. Labour Party chairwoman Anneliese Dodds emphasized the gravity of the claims and the need for a comprehensive inquiry. Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader Daisy Cooper called for Mr. Maynard's suspension pending investigation, citing the seriousness of the allegations and past breaches by senior Conservatives. Both parties underscored the necessity for accountability and integrity in public office. Photo by Richard Townshend, Wikimedia commons.