Controversy
On 13 October 2009, he claimed on the BBC Today programme that the investigation by Sir Thomas Legg into the United Kingdom Parliamentary expenses scandal was marked by "retrospectivity", as Sir Thomas had changed the rules on expenses after MPs' claims had been submitted.
In February 2011, it was revealed that Bell has not held a constituency surgery since 1997. As of September 2011, the Middlesbrough based Evening Gazette newspaper began calling for an inquiry regarding Stuart Bell's apparent disregard for his Middlesbrough constituents. Journalist Neil Macfarlane claimed he had placed over 100 calls to his registered offices over several weeks, but the phone was never answered or calls returned. They claimed this was despite his wife receiving over £35,000 per annum allowance to act as his 'office' manager. Bell later claimed that he had stopped surgeries after being assaulted, and was willing to meet constituents "by appointment". He stated that he would discuss the matter with Labour Chief Whip Rosie Winterton, and would be writing to Labour Party leader Ed Miliband to explain his circumstances.
Read more about this topic: Stuart Bell
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