MP's mental health 'rocked' by expenses scandal

24th June 2010

Conservative MP David Ruffley was left so depressed by his involvement in last year's expenses scandal that he allegedly attempted suicide, it has been suggested.

Colleagues noted that heavy criticisms he received regarding his claims for a sofa, television and home furnishings prompted the mental health condition and last week Mr Ruffley was struck by the Gatwick Express on Victoria Station's train tracks, the Daily Mail reports.

He received only minor injuries and the Tories are now urging that he be allowed the necessary "time and space" to recover.

Chief whip Patrick McLoughlin stated in a letter to local party chairman Christopher Turner that the politician is being given "specialist medical help" but would no doubt come through it "fitter and stronger".

This comes after Dr Ashley Weinberg of the University of Salford published a report - possibly taking into account economic inclusion - revealing that MPs could be at increased risk of developing mental health conditions, with many stating their jobs have become more stressful, the Press Association reported.

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