Politics: Minister 'took partner to Luxembourg'

The Foreign Office was today facing renewed controversy over travel arrangements for ministers' girlfriends after it emerged that the Europe Minister Doug Henderson's partner accompanied him to Luxembourg at taxpayers' expense.

Geraldine Daly travelled with Mr Henderson - who is separated but not divorced from his wife of 24 years Janet - to the two-day informal meeting of foreign ministers in October at a cost to public funds of pounds 571.24.

A Foreign Office spokeswoman said Mr Henderson had observed all the relevant rules on expenditure.