 On 18 December 2013, the ruling by the Lords Committee for Privileges and Conduct resulted in a four month suspension House of Lords.Laird claimed parliamentary expenses of £73,000 in 2008/09, making him the most expensive peer in the House of Lords for that parliamentary year.In December 2006 Laird announced plans to stand in Donegal North-East and Donegal South-West on what he termed a radical Ulster-Scots ticket.