MP should step down and repay the money

Speaking about the local Conservative Association meeting this evening to vote on a motion of confidence in Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing, Liberal Democrat prospective parliamentary candidate Ann Haigh said: "Eleanor Laing should have repaid the money and stepped down in June when the way she exploited the rules was first revealed.

"The uncertainty about whether or not she had repaid the money, and the fact that she has now only made partial repayments, has further eroded her credibility in the eyes of our local residents.

"I am surprised that David Cameron and the Epping Forest Conservative Association executive committee have backed her so strongly."

Ann added: "This is just one example of a totally flawed system. The whole system needs radical reform. MPs cannot think that it is business as usual-they have failed to get to grips with the problem."