Nigel And The Missing £60,000

[sp1814]

What do you make to this story?

I'm sure that Nigel will have an explanation for this, but £60K over four years for upkeep on a property that had been given to him for free...seems a bit steep.

Also, was there really any need for the Telegraph to use what must be the most unflattering picture they could find of Our Nige (his official name down our way)?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/ukip/10766558/Farage-could-face-investigation-into-EU-expenses.html

[Kromovaracun]

Well, it's by no means guaranteed they'll get third - it's just possible, and I have no idea how likely. Plus we don't know what will happen if they do get to third party - they might fall apart shortly after, depending on how they handle the sudden boom in size that would have to involve.

Plus they've already gotten into trouble because they couldn't grow in size and screen their candidates properly at the same time. I can't see them managing the gigantic growth they'd need to become a major party very well.

[Gromit]

UKiP will win the most seats in next months European Elections.

[ChillDoubt]

I've often thought Nigel Farage seemed utterly corrupt and two-faced
---------------------
On what basis? He's always struck me as forthright and honest and has revelled in the opportunity handed him by that clown Clegg.
Story appears to have died a death, or are we awaiting some minor investigation which will doubtless prove the accusations unfounded?

[Kromovaracun]

"On what basis?"

On the basis that he claimed £2m in taxpayers' money while at the same time spouting his grievances about the European "gravy train" etc., and claiming to be substantially different.

Now, the usual response when I point this out is "Oh, well, they're all at it - he's not as bad as some of them."

But that's my point. Farage is as hypocritical and odious as the next politician.

And yes, he won in a debate against Clegg. That's because Clegg is remarkably incompetent. If I had a cat - and enough treats - I could probably train it to win a debate with Nick Clegg.

[ChillDoubt]

He diodn't 'claim' 2 million in taxpayers money, he was given it by the stupid European Parliament system.
He knows the system stinks, that's why he's trying to bring it down from within. He robustly defends his position, whilst giving a full account of the facts to anyone concerned.
Unless of course you can back up any claims of impropriety/fraud by Mr Farage?

[Kromovaracun]

I haven't accused him of fraud. I've accused him of hypocrisy. The money I'm talking about is entirely different from the one SP is talking about.

It's my understanding that the £2m comes from non-salaried claimed expenses over a prolonged period of time. A period of time in which Farage has been repeatedly attacking Westminster politicians for claiming extravagant expenses and presenting himself as something different.

Incidentally, the figure was Farage's own estimate (although he did not realise he was being recorded at the time he disclosed it), so the real figure may be lower or higher.

Regarding the recent fraud allegation, I have no idea if Farage is guilty or not.

[Peter Pedant]

If it is not spent it clearly cannot be expenses

so if the money is accumulating
and is not expenses

does it not have to be income and subject to a tax charge ?


and no - I think people will say Look at the Great Hope - who is on the take like everyone else....