A former MP is being taken to court for alleged non-payment of restaurant bills.

Liberal Democrat Parmit Singh Gill – MP for Leicester South until 2005 – took high ranking figures, including MPs Simon Hughes and Vince Cable, to the Vindaloo, in Evington, Leicester, which was owned by Mr Farid Miah.

Mr Farid is claiming that he is owed £1,115 by Parmit Gill for eight unpaid-for meals. Mr Gill denies all the allegations.

The former MP set up an account at the restaurant prior to the General Election – at which he lost his seat – and said he would pay when the election was over. The bill, says Mr Miah, has not been paid.

A hearing has been held at Leicester County Court to decide how the case "should be allocated." A further hearing is set for the summer to determine the case.

Mr Farid said he was prepared to call Simon Hughes and Vince Cable as witnesses if necessary.

Mr Gill said in a submitted defence to the claim: “An account has never been opened by me at this restaurant. I deny this allegation.”

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By Roger Bushby

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