Allegations have been made that an East End Labour representative is delivering a taxpayer-funded publication outside the area that she represents.

Evidence has emerged that a parliamentary newsletter from Margaret Curran, the Baillieston MSP, has been delivered to addresses within the neighbouring Shettleston constituency.  Scottish Parliament rules allow MSPs to use parliamentary resources to communicate with their own voters, but not with those living in other areas.

One local resident living within the Parkhead area has contacted local MP, John Mason, in order to express concern about a possible misuse of the Holyrood parliament's resources.

Commenting today, John Mason, said: "Now that Margaret Curran has been selected as the Labour candidate for the Westminster seat of Glasgow East, many people will find it suspicious that her publicly-funded newsletter is being delivered to parts of that area that she does not currently represent.

"It would be understandable if the area where Margaret Curran's literature has been delivered was just over the boundary from her Baillieston seat.  But it lies deep within the Shettleston Scottish Parliament seat.

"One of my constituents has raised this issue with me, so I am duty-bound to ask the Scottish Parliament's authorities to investigate any possible breach of the rules.

"I agree that politicians should be communicating with their electorate.  But they should not be using publicly-funded material to raise their profile outside the area they represent - especially if they are planning to stand for election in this outside area."

Note:

The Glasgow East Westminster constituency covers the whole of the Scottish Parliament's Baillieston seat, as well as about 50% of the Shettleston Scottish Parliament seat.