Kelly sorry over leaflet funding

Ms Kelly said she had not meant to break any rules

Ruth Kelly has apologised for breaking rules on using public money for party political material.

The transport secretary spent some of her communications allowance on a newsletter which repeatedly referred to "Labour," the Mail on Sunday reported.

She said she had not meant to break any rules but accepted "greater care" should have been taken over the words.

MPs voted through the £10,000-a-year allowance in March to help improve public understanding of Parliament.

At the time, Labour MP Tony Wright warned it would be used for "shameless self promotion" - Conservative leader David Cameron has said he would scrap it.

In a statement Ms Kelly said: "There was no intention to do anything other than comply with the rules. However, I accept that greater care should have been taken over the exact wording, for which I unreservedly apologise.

"I will contact the Serjeant at Arms at the earliest opportunity and will, of course, abide by his decision in this matter."