Calls for Lancashire MP to be investigated over alleged breaches of Ministerial Code

There are calls for the Prime Minister MP to order an investigation into a Lancashire MP, over possible breaches of the Ministerial Code.

Pensions minister Paul Maynard is alleged to have charged taxpayers when producing political materials.

The Sunday Times, which broke the story, also reported that the Blackpool North and Cleveleys MP claimed rent expenses for an office that doubles up as his local Conservative Party association's headquarters.

Equipment claimed on public expenses by MPs is meant for constituency work rather than political purposes.

Anneliese Dodds, the Labour Party chairwoman, has written to Rishi Sunak to encourage him to ask the independent adviser on ministerial interests, Sir Laurie Magnus, to look into the claims.

The senior Opposition MP said that, if the allegations are true "it is hard to see how such behaviour is consistent with the ministerial code".

The Liberal Democrats have called for Mr Maynard to have the Tory whip suspended and be removed as a minister while a probe takes place.

The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa) said the matter would be referred to the organisation's compliance officer.

The watchdog, established after the 2009 MPs' expenses scandal, said it would be up to the compliance officer to establish the facts of the case before deciding whether to conduct an investigation into the claims.

It said MPs can use their offices for party political purposes as long as it is part of a pre-agreed sub-letting agreement.

Ms Dodds said: "These are extremely serious allegations.

"It would be indefensible if a serving minister is found to be using taxpayers' cash to fund party political materials.

"It is hard to see how such behaviour is consistent with the ministerial code."