Letters From A Tory Daily views on British politics and the Conservative Party from a centre-right thinker who writes letters on his blog to politicians, journalists and many others.

“In the light of his categorical denials, Mr Donaldson is clearly entitled to a presumption of innocence.”

- Peter Robinson, leader of the DUP in Northern Ireland, responding to the news that Jeffrey Donaldson, one of his MPs and a married father of two, has repaid hundreds of pounds after charging the taxpayer for the cost of watching dozens of pay-to-view films in hotel rooms nearly every time he travelled to London on parliamentary business. Hotel sources confirmed that films he put on his expenses during 2004 and 2005 were in the highest price category offered to guests, covering the latest blockbusters and adult movies.  All of the expenses claims were paid in full by the House of Commons fees office, but most of the films appeared on the hotel bills as “Room Service 2”, meaning that their nature was not obvious to officials. On one occasion, the item “Room Service 2” was circled on the receipt by Mr Donaldson or staff working for him, and the word “food” written next to it.  Examination of the receipts indicates that the combined price of the 68 films he charged to the taxpayer was £555.54 and show that the films he claimed for ranged in price from £7.50 to £14.95.  At present, the films on offer which would fall into the highest price category at the Marriott, County Hall, where Mr Donaldson stayed on several occasions, include Sexy Scenes 2009 series 2, series 5 and series 7. (full story HERE)