MPs face possible arrest over expense claims

Commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson said a decision on whether to open full inquiries could be made soon.

The senior officer said the Parliamentary authorities have given "good co-operation" after investigators asked for more information.

But he declined to speculate on how many MPs might face a police probe, which includes the prospect of being interviewed under caution or even arrested.

A team of Metropolitan Police detectives and Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) experts are examining the actions of a small number of MPs in detail.

Sir Paul has held talks with Keir Starmer, director of public prosecutions, over how to handle the thorny allegations.

Speaking at New Scotland Yard today, Sir Paul said: "The latest briefing I have on it is that we are getting good co-operation in progressing the matter. We will be progressing it in a few weeks."

He added: "We will make a decision on what the evidence is or is not. The CPS are involved with us now, of course Keir Starmer has been hugely helpful around this.

"It is our decision but they are advising us what each one on its merits looks like.

"We are seeking more information, we will get that information, analyse it and then we will make a decision. I do not think we are that far off."

Asked if there will be prosecutions, he added that he would not "speculate" but said senior officers will make a "wise decision".

Those at the centre of the preliminary probe are understood to be MPs who claimed taxpayers' cash for "phantom mortgages" and may have misled the authorities.

Labour MPs David Chaytor and Elliot Morley both announced they would stand down after it emerged they claimed interest payments for paid-off mortgages.

Two other MPs, Ben Chapman and Bill Wiggin, may also face further inquiries after they were exposed as claiming for mortgages that did not exist.

Baroness Uddin, who apparently claimed an empty Maidstone flat was her main home so she could claim expenses for peers living outside the capital, may also face questions.

Earlier this month the Metropolitan Police ruled out wide-ranging action against the vast majority of parliamentarians embroiled in the controversy.

Officers believe there is only a realistic chance of prosecution in cases where it can be proved individuals misled Parliament's Fees Office.

They said the parliamentary authorities may instead choose to consider the details of some applications for expenses and allowances.

There have been repeated calls for police inquiries after allegations that public money was dishonestly obtained.

Profligate spending on luxury items by a minority of MPs further inflamed the public and Westminster watchers.

Bury North MP Mr Chaytor said he will pay back £13,000 after admitting an "unforgivable error" in continuing to submit £1,175 monthly bills for a paid off loan.

Mr Morley was suspended from the Parliamentary Labour Party after admitting a similar £16,000 claim and referring himself to the Westminster sleaze watchdog.

Parliamentary standards inquiries into Mr Chaytor and Mr Morley are on hold while the police continue to consider their cases.

Ben Chapman, MP for Wirral South, said he will stand down at the next election after it was reported he claimed £15,000 for interest on a paid-off mortgage.

Bill Wiggin, a Tory whip, received more than £11,000 to cover interest payments after declaring a Herefordshire property was his "second home".

Mr Wiggin said the money, to which he was entitled, should have related to his London property. Tory leader David Cameron said the mistake was "honest".