Ross cleared of claims he used MP travel expenses as football linesman

A parliamentary watchdog has cleared Douglas Ross of claims he used Westminster expenses to travel in his role as football linesman.

Reports in the Sunday Mail at the weekend claimed Ross’ advisers flagged concerns over 28 parliamentary travel claims that may have been combined with his football work.

The newspaper had stated that Ross’ aides raised the alarm in November 2021 over expense claims which included a £58 parking fee at Inverness Airport in July 2018 while Parliament was in recess.

It also stated £43 rail travel from Heathrow to central London was claimed the day after Ross was a linesman in a match in Iceland.

Claims also include that he expensed a flight from London to Glasgow and £109 parking.

But on Friday, the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) said after reviewing the allegations it was satisfied that the Scottish Conservative leader’s claims fell within the rules.

A spokesperson said: “We have reviewed Mr Ross’s travel claims, relating to the allegations made in the press, and met with him to discuss the issues that have been raised.

“Following this review, we are satisfied that the claims were within IPSA’s rules and no further action is required.”

More to follow.