Probe into Labour peer's claims

Lord Paul is a longstanding Labour Party donor

Millionaire Labour peer Lord Paul is to be investigated over allegations about his expenses claims, the House of Lords has announced.

This comes at the request of Lord Paul, after questions emerged about the validity of claims worth £38,000.

He was accused of claiming allowances by designating a flat he never slept in as his main home.

Lord Paul will not carry out his duties as deputy Speaker until the investigation is completed.

Peers can claim an overnight allowance when attending Parliament only if their main residence is outside London.

Rules

The Times newspaper alleges that Lord Paul designated a one-bedroom flat, at the three-star Bignell Park Hotel, in Chesterton, Oxfordshire, as his main home.

The paper reported that the peer denied breaking any rules even though he said he was based in London.

In a statement, the House of Lords said: "A Following media allegations on 11 and 12 October regarding Lord Paul's claims for overnight subsistence allowance, the House of Lords authorities are to conduct an investigation into the allegations, after a request from Lord Paul to do so.

"This investigation will be undertaken by the Clerk of the Parliaments, in his capacity as the House of Lords Accounting Officer.

"During the course of the investigation by the House authorities, Lord Paul will not undertake duties as a Deputy Speaker."