Ex political advisor admits fraud over expense claims

Matthew Torbitt claimed for rail tickets and accommodation that were "not for Parliamentary purposes"

A former advisor to a Labour MP has admitted claiming fraudulent expenses on the Parliamentary travel booking system.

Matthew Torbitt worked for Bury South MP Christian Wakeford when, between August 2022 and September 2024, he claimed rail tickets that were "not for Parliamentary purposes", Thames Magistrates' Court heard.

He also admitted making a false claim for travel and accommodation expenses on 2 October 2024.

Prosecutor Maisha Mannan told the court the claims totalled more than £6,000, according to an early estimate by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), but the exact sum will be calculated at a later date.

Torbitt, who appeared in court dressed in a navy blue suit, pleaded guilty to two counts of fraud by false representation.

District Judge Navneet Sher sent the case to Snaresbrook Crown Court for sentence at a later date, which has yet to be fixed.

"It's unlikely to be before four weeks, in any event," she told the defendant.

Torbitt worked in various advisory roles for Labour frontbenchers between 2018 and 2024.

An investigation was launched after police received a report that a member of staff working for an MP had allegedly made unauthorised purchases through a travel booking system, the Metropolitan Police previously said.

Torbitt is engaged to women's rights activist and 2021 Love Island contestant Sharon Gaffka.

The couple welcomed a baby boy earlier this month, according to Torbitt's Instagram page.

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