Matthew Torbitt, a former advisor to Labour MP Christian Wakeford, has admitted to defrauding parliamentary expenses. Torbitt pleaded guilty to two counts of fraud by false representation at Thames Magistrates' Court.
The offenses occurred between August 2022 and September 2024, when Torbitt claimed rail tickets that were not for Parliamentary purposes. He also admitted to making a false claim for travel and accommodation expenses on October 2, 2024.
An investigation was initiated after police received a report of unauthorized purchases made through a parliamentary travel booking system. Torbitt was charged on June 9 and has most recently worked as a political commentator, appearing on various news programs.
Prosecutor Maisha Mannan stated that the claims are estimated to total over £6,000, though the exact sum will be determined later. District Judge Navneet Sher has sent the case to Snaresbrook Crown Court for sentencing, with the date yet to be fixed. Torbitt worked in advisory roles for Labour frontbenchers from 2018 to 2024. Momentarily he worked for Bury South MP Christian Wakeford at the time of the offenses.