Local party backs Devine over expenses

UNDER-FIRE Labour MP Jim Devine has won the backing of his local party in the row over his expense claims.

Mr Devine billed taxpayers £2157 for rewiring his second home in London.

He also claimed £2326 for joinery work by his friend and local publican Tony Moran out of his office expenses budget.

But the Livingston MP could still be deselected by Labour's national executive committee.

The backing comes despite six party members saying they were going to write a letter to Lothian and Borders Police calling for a fraud investigation.

Meanwhile, Linlithgow and Falkirk East Labour MP Michael Connarty has said future MPs' expenses must be judged "against what the average person can afford".

Last month it was revealed that Mr Connarty made a series of claims for audio equipment, including £249.99 for a radio alarm clock.