A COUNCILLOR being investigated by police over expenses claims has been suspended from the Labour Party.
The Sunday Mail revealed in 2006 that Tommy Williams was among five Renfrewshire councillors being probed by the fraud squad.
Retired businessman Tom Gatley had discovered Tommy Williams claimed attendance allowances while pocketing a full-time Glasgow council wage.
At the time, Williams claimed he had quit his job as a social worker. But it was only last month that he and his boss were sacked over the matter.
Whistleblower Gatley welcomed Labour's suspension of Williams.
Gatley, from Johnstone, who used freedom of information laws to scrutinise councillors' claims, said: "Labour have finally done the right thing.
"Given the stench around this, it is vital our police and fiscal ensure justice is done."
SourceUPDATE 21.9.08
A POLITICIAN has been charged by the fraud squad over his expenses claims.
Tommy Williams, 55, faces court after a two-year probe.
The Sunday Mail revealed in October 2006 he was one offive Renfrewshire councillors being investigated.
We told how he claimed full-time expenses for six years while having a fulltime job with Glasgow City Council and receiving £8000 a year from a health board.
Williams, of Paisley, claimed he had quit his Glasgow job but he was sacked 14 months later.
The probe was launched after retired businessman Tom Gatley examined expenses via Freedom of Information laws. He said: "At long last the police have taken action. For the sake of taxpayers I hope the case is heard in open court."
Williams, who was suspended from the Labour Party in January, said: "I've no comment."
Strathclyde Police said: "A 55-year-old man is the subject of a report to the procurator fiscal in relation to an alleged fraud."
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