East Lothian Courier | News | MP Anne's sleepless evenings

Thursday, 20th November, 2008

Published: Thursday, 1st November, 2007 09:30

MP Anne's sleepless evenings

EMBATTLED county MP Anne Moffat admits she is having sleepless nights following recent acts of vandalism to her Cockenzie home.

But the MP, whose re-selection as Westminster candidate is to be scrutinised by Labour’s National Executive Committee, insists the “on-going campaign of intimidation” hasn’t affected her ability to represent her constituents.

Security around Ms Moffat has been gradually stepped up since she received a death threat in the post two years ago. Twice this year, her ground floor flat has daubed with offensive graffiti. There has also been a break-in at her constituency office in Tranent, where a case of whisky was stolen.

A panic alarm has been installed inside the property and friends are with her whenever she arrives home at night.

Only last week, a threatening phone call was left on the answer phone at her constituency office. Police investigating the incidents, have removed the device for further examination.

“It has been a distressing time for me and my family,” said the 49-year-old divorcee, whose son Scott lives in England.

“When I come back to my home from Westminster on an evening shuttle, there is a bit of trepidation. Luckily, my friends or neighbours are always on hand to make sure I get in okay.

“I am having trouble sleeping at night, and I am concerned at the stress it is causing my 81-year-old dad who lives in Fife.”

She added: “I am staying put. I will continue to do my job to the best of my abilities.”

Meanwhile, the MP says she is “very relaxed” about a decision to force her to produce receipts for £40,000 in travel claims in 2003.

Ms Moffat’s Parliamentary expenses came under the microscope in a landmark case that has lifted the shroud of secrecy surrounding MPs’ costs.

Previously, Commons authorities only released total figures. That has all changed following Westminster’s dropping last Friday of a legal challenge to Information Minister Richard Thomas’ ruling that taxpayers must know what they are paying for.

“The money was mainly for flights to and from London from Edinburgh,” she said. “It is all above board. I just happened to be the MP chosen for scrutiny.”

Ms Moffat said she was heartened by a turnout of more than 20 people to her meeting on climate change in Musselburgh’s Brunton Hall on Friday.

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