IDS aide defends 'principle of truth'

The senior Tory aide at the centre of the row over Iain Duncan Smith's employment of his wife as his secretary has defended her decision to "stand up for her principles".

Vanessa Gearson, who used to run Mr Duncan Smith's office and initially raised concerns about the employment of his wife Betsey, said "telling the truth" was worth it whatever the cost.

Dr Gearson is Tory candidate for the target parliamentary seat of Cheltenham.

She told the Gloucestershire Echo: "I don't believe that the people of Cheltenham would wish for me to do anything other than to tell the truth and to stand up for my principles, no matter what the cost."

Parliamentary Standards Commissioner Sir Philip Mawer is looking into claims that Mr Duncan Smith improperly employed his wife as a secretary.

Mr Duncan Smith has said he "totally rejects" claims that he was guilty of financial wrongdoing.

Dr Gearson has taken legal advice to "protect her integrity and that of the Conservative Party", her lawyers have said.

Journalist Michael Crick says an email from Dr Gearson, who is now deputy director of Conservative Central Office, is among the evidence he collected during a five month investigation into Mrs Duncan Smith's role.

Dr Gearson has been given the backing of key figures in the constituency.

Friends have described her as honest, hardworking and of real integrity.

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