Two former Conservative MSPs have returned £10,000 to the taxpayer after they breached rules in handing the sum to a local Tory branch.
Alex Johnstone, who is the leading candidate on the North East list, and Nanette Milne, who is not seeking re-election, overstated the amount of office space they were renting at their Gordon constituency office.
An investigation by Scottish Parliament officials found they claimed £12,500 too much in rent for the office lease, which was used to run their constituency affairs.
The practice of MSPs renting office space from their own parties, which members have done from all across the political spectrum, is being banned from the next parliament.
A Scottish Conservative party spokesman said: “Alex Johnstone and Nanette Milne were occupying space in the Gordon constituency office.
“Once it became apparent that there was a discrepancy relating to the terms of the lease, the MSPs drew the attention of the Scottish Parliament allowances office to make them aware of the situation and it was resolved.”
Former north-east Tory MSPs return £10k to taxpayer after breaching expenses rules
