Tory MP in court on first day of ‘election expenses fiddle’ trial

A Conservative MP accused of fiddling his expenses during the 2015 general election campaign appeared in court today (mon) for the first day of his trial. Craig Mackinlay, 52, allegedly spent thousands of pounds above the legally mandated limit when he beat then Ukip leader Nigel Farage. Mackinlay secured a majority of just over 2,800 in south Thanet, Kent, beating Farage and gaining 38% of the vote following a tense campaign. He is standing trial at Southwark Crown Court alongside…