Lady Scotland to be investigated over illegal Tongan maid

Inquiries have begun into the case of the British attorney general Lady Scotland and her apparent recruitment to her household staff of a non-valid UK visa holder. The UK Border Agency launched the inquiry after a complaint from a campaign group who accused the Baroness of breaching legislation she herself had helped enact. Lady Scotland is the government’s top law officer and had been a leading figure in UK immigration reform.

Border Agency officials yesterday raided the west London flat where 27-year-old Tongan Loloahi Tapui has been residing. Tapui has not been at the Chiswick residence since the story broke late last week although neighbours confirmed that officials had previously attempted to gain entry on Friday. After leaving empty handed at the first attempt four members of the agency broke down the door of the flat with a battering ram and left with several bags worth of belongings.

Tapui was dismissed by Lady Scotland after she became aware of the illegal status of the Tongan woman. The Baroness, who could face a fine of up to £10,000, denied any prior knowledge of Tapui’s legality. Tapui had previously entered the U.K on a student visa but her overstaying had made her ineligible for any future visas.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown voiced his backing for Lady Scotland claiming she hired Tapui in good faith. Mr Brown also claimed that Tapui had shown the Baroness documents which attested to her legal right to be employed in the U.K.