POLITICAL rivals of Bury MP David Chaytor last night said his apology for an “unforgivable error” over his expenses would create political damage and anger.

Mr Chaytor has been suspended from the Parliamentary Labour Party over allegations he claimed £13,000 of taxpayers’ cash for a mortgage he had already paid off.

The Labour MP, whose Bury North constituency covers Tottington, Ramsbottom and parts of Bury town centre, has apologised and agreed to repay the money.

On Saturday, a national newspaper said Mr Chaytor claimed £1,175 a month in expenses from September 2005 to August 2006 so he could make mortgage interest payments. The mortgage had been paid off in January 2004, it is claimed. In a statement Mr Chaytor said: “In respect of mortgage interest payments, there has been an unforgivable error in my accounting procedures for which I apologise unreservedly.

“I will act immediately to ensure repayment is made to the fees office.”

Tory Cllr Sheila Magnall, the Mayor of Bury, said: “These allegations make me feel very angry and very upset and no doubt that Bury people will feel the same.

“When we speak to people out in the constituency, they sometimes say we are only in it for our own financial gain.

“I would refute that, but accusations like this certainly do not help local politicians change that perception.”

Lib-Dem Cllr Richard Baum, who will fight Mr Chaytor for his Bury North seat at the next general election, said: “I think these allegations will do untold damage to not only the Bury North Parliamentary seat but to politics in Bury in general.”

Mr Chaytor is the latest MP to be criticised following detailed revelations about MPs expenses in the national press which have led to a massive public backlash against politicians.

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