UK expenses row claims another minister

Many MPs across the political spectrum have faced ignominy due to the public revelations of their expenses and have decided not to contest the next elections due in mid-2010.

Ussher resigned amid reports that she avoided paying capital gains tax when she sold one of her houses in 2007. She denied she did anything wrong and said she was stepping aside to prevent the Government embarrassment.

Ussher announced that she would also not contest the next election.

In her resignation letter to Brown,Ussher said: 8220;It is with the greatest regret I have decided to resign from the government. After careful consideration I arrived at this decision because I do not want to cause you or the Government any embarrassment.8221;

She added: 8220;I did not do anything wrong8230;.Neither have I abused the allowance system of the House of Commons in any way.8221;

Ussher was elected to Parliament in 2005 but rose to serve as City Minister and in the Work and Pensions Department before getting her most recent role in the reshuffle earlier this month.