Labor MP Khalil Eideh confirms he will stand down in 2018, denies wrongdoing over rort allegations

EMBATTLED Labor MP Khalil Eideh has officially announced he will stand down next election and has publicly defended himself over printing rort allegations.

Victorian MP Khalil Eideh will not recontest his seat in 2018. Picture: Wayne Taylor, AAP Image

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EMBATTLED MP Khalil Eideh has officially announced he would stand down next election and has publicly defended himself over printing rort allegations.

Mr Eideh, released a statement this afternoon saying he was “proud” to represent his Western Metropolitan seat for 11 years but would not recontest in 2018.

He went on to address recent allegations on the “cash for stacks” scandal, revealed by the Herald Sun, in which whistleblowers alleged false invoices were provided to parliament to claim payments for printing work that was never done.

“I maintain that I have done nothing wrong and I will fully co-operate with authorities,” Mr Eideh said.

“I am confident that the claims in the media reports will be completely dismissed and that I will be fully exonerated.”

Victorian MP Khalil Eideh has addressed allegations on the “cash for stacks” scandal. Picture: Wayne Taylor, AAP Image.

Parliament took control of Mr Eideh’s electorate ­office last week, while the allegations are being investigated by the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission.

It is understood Mr Khalil requested his office be shutdown and staff locked out and placed on indefinite leave.

The drastic move came after a parliamentary probe raised concerns of $200,000 worth of invoices from Mr Eideh’s office.

Mr Guy ­later described the move as “stunning”.

“I’ve never, never seen a circumstances where an MP changed the locks on his own office, presumably to lock out his own staff,” he said.

Acting Premier Jacinta Allan commended Mr Eideh for his service since 2006.

“Khalil has been a strong voice for the people of Melbourne’s west, including advocating on behalf of the region’s many multicultural communities.

“Khalil also served our state on a number Parliamentary Committees, before becoming Deputy President of the Legislative Council in 2016.

“I’d like to thank Khalil for his years of service, and wish him the best for the future.”

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