VVD parliamentarian poised to stand down over ‘integrity issue’

An MP for the ruling right-wing Liberals is set to stand down this week because of an ‘integrity issue’ Dutch media reported on Monday afternoon.

Nu.nl sources said the MP in question is Johan Houwers, who has been in parliament since 2010. He hit the headlines recently by suggesting all wolves which move into the Netherlands should be shot.

A party spokesman has confirmed the impending announcement but no further details have been given. Commentators say the statement is likely to be made on Tuesday.

On his Twitter account, Houwers, from Gelderland, describes himself as an entrepreneur and real estate broker.

Corruption

The VVD is currently dealing with another integrity issue surrounding former senator and Roermond council alderman Jos van Rey, who is suspected of corruption.

The party said in May it planned to introduce an integrity statement which all members hoping to hold office would be asked to sign.

The VVD has 41 MPs and is the biggest party in parliament. The place of a parliamentarian who resigns will be taken by the next person on the party list from the September general election.

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