South West MEP Brings EU Funding to Self

South West England’s Giles Chichester has stood down as leader of the Tory group of MEPs, after it emerged that £445,000 in staff allowances were paid to his family firm.

Mr Chichester – a paid director of the map-publishing business - said he had only committed a “technical” breach of the rules in what he called a “whoops-a-daisy” moment which somehow lasted for twelve years.

People in the South West were reported to be pleased to hear who their MEP was at last. “It’s good to know our elected representative is working hard to bring European funding to this deprived corner of Britain,” said one voter, “Albeit in his own wallet.”