Tories are not exonerated over election expenses, but they smear the SNP.

It is common  form of defence of someone caught with their hand in the till to make the excuse .

"everyone does it."

It seems the Tories are using the same tactic.

Theresa May has refused to apologise for the Conservative expenses scandal at the last election, insisting the party’s candidates “did nothing wrong”.

The Prime Minister brushed off a record fine imposed by the elections watchdog to claim Tories about to face the voters had emerged from the affair without a stain.

Ms May was asked to say sorry after the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) – while pressing no charges against Tory candidates – found “evidence to suggest the returns may have been inaccurate”.

The CPS has decided – they are an independent body – they have decided that no charges will be brought against any candidate in relation to this matter.
“Candidates did nothing wrong. It’s very important and I repeat that – I have said it many times – candidates did nothing wrong.”

The CPS however has not exonerated   the Tories mealy decided not to prosecute.

In order to bring a charge, it must be proved that a suspect knew the return was inaccurate and acted dishonestly in signing the declaration.“Although there is evidence to suggest the returns may have been inaccurate, there is insufficient evidence to prove to the criminal standard that any candidate or agent was dishonest.”

Meanwhile thee always excellent MUNGUIN'S NEW REPUBLIC today points out  a co,,emt made by Tory leader Theressa May attempt to smear the SNP

The SNP where not investigated by the CPS  and it prompted this from Nicola Sturgeon

We can only wonder if Mrs May hadn't called a General Election has led to the CPS to bottle it and not proceed with a prosecution of a large number of former Tory MPs who are now seeing re-election.

By calling the election early she seems to have avoided  a number of her MPs facing these charges and a seines of Byelections but stopped them all together by creating a situation where the CPS believed discretion was the better part of valour.

It does not mean the Tories  didn't cheat in Key seats in the last election , but prosecuting those involved  would be difficult .

The Tories have been left off the hook and in a typical manner for them claim that the accusations were politically motivated , when in truth the decision not to prosecute came as a result of them creating a situation where a prosecution  attempt may well have been dropped because of the political situation.

Meanwhile the Tories make an hollow claim that they have been exonerated, whilst smearing their opponents,