Maria Miller is "devastated" by the expenses scandal that threaten to end her political career, and for having "let down" her Basingstoke constituents.
Writing in her weekly column for the Basingstoke Gazette, the Culture Secretary said "the last 16 months have been difficult” due to the “intense Parliamentary inquiry looking at extensive personal details of my family life, as a result of allegations made by a Labour MP".
Miller added: "I have unreservedly apologised for the way I handled and approached the inquiry and I am pleased that the committee has fully dismissed all of the allegations made against me."
"I am devastated that this has happened, and that I have let you down. I can only hope that over time the focus will once again by on Basingstoke."
However, on Tuesday former Speaker of the house Betty Boothroyd said she was "very cross" about the Miller Scandal. Speaking on Radio 4, the Baroness said her concern is with "the toxic damage this is doing to the reputation of parliament. It’s a matter of honour and she should go".
Miller's Basingstoke Gazette column in full:
The last 16 months have been difficult. As you know, I have been working hard for Basingstoke and also doing my job as a Cabinet minister. During this time, I have been subject to an intense Parliamentary inquiry looking at extensive personal details of my family life, as a result of allegations made by a Labour MP.
That committee has now published its report and I have accepted their findings in full. I have unreservedly apologised for the way I handled and approached the inquiry. And I am pleased that the committee has fully dismissed all of the allegations made against me.
Separately, I have already apologised and repaid an over-claim of my expenses, having myself drawn the committee's attention to the matter immediately I was aware of it. I have always sought to do the best job that I can in representing the people of Basingstoke in Westminster. I am devastated that this has happened, and that I have let you down. I can only hope that over time the focus will once again by on Basingstoke.