BILKING

Brit Official Resigns in Expense Scandal

Treasury Chief Secretary David Laws out.

British Treasury Chief Secretary David Laws is stepping down amid controversy over many parliament members’ expensing of curious charges to taxpayers. It was discovered that Laws expensed £950 a month (about $1,375) for eight years for rent at two London properties; the properties belonged to Laws’ partner, James Lundie, a lobbyist. Laws’ sexual orientation had not been made public previously. Members of parliament have been banned since 2006 from “leasing accommodation from a partner.” Laws issued a full apology and promised to repay the cash. He will be succeeded by Liberal Democrat Scottish Secretary Danny Alexander.