NEWS STORY : Police Confirm Investigation Into Conservative Senedd Member, Laura Anne Jones
STORY
South Wales Police have confirmed that there is to be an investigation into the expenses of Laura Anne Jones, a Conservative Senedd member for South Wales East, following allegations of financial impropriety. A spokesperson for the Welsh Conservatives said in a statement that “we will not be commenting while this matter is being considered by the relevant authorities”, whilst Jones denied the allegations. A WhatsApp message released into the public domain said:
“When doing petrol thing – always make more than I did – add in stuff please ok”
An investigation into the conduct of Jones is also underway by the Standards Commissioner Douglas Bain. Jones said in a statement via her lawyers:
“Ms Jones’s belief is that these complaints being lodged with the standards commissioner are without foundation. As these matters are the subject of ongoing inquiries, it would be inappropriate for Ms Jones to make any further comment. Ms Jones has no issue with the BBC or its sources putting these allegations to the police and/or the standards commissioner, which will provide her the opportunity to respond in a formal manner as part of the inquiry should the authorities require it.”
Jones has been a member of the Senedd since 2020 and also previously held the role between 2003 and 2007. Downing Street has yet to comment on the allegations.
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