Minister faces second expense probe

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Parliamentary standards commissioner John Lyon has accepted a complaint about the Dewsbury MP's accommodation and office costs.

Meanwhile, Conservative Ian Taylor became the latest MP to step down following the expenses scandal.

Mr Malik was cleared of breaching the ministerial code last week, after allegations that he was paying below market rates.

A spokeswoman for Mr Lyon said: "The commissioner has accepted a complaint into Mr Malik."

The minister stepped aside from the Government while Sir Philip Mawer, Gordon Brown's adviser on the ministerial code, examined his housing arrangements.

Sir Philip's report criticised the MP for being unable to produce receipts or a rental agreement to back his case. But he concluded there had been no "preferential rent", paving the way for Mr Malik's return as Communities Minister.

The adviser later said there was no need to look at fresh allegations over Mr Malik's use of taxpayer-funded expenses to pay for office space within his constituency home. However, the Standards Commissioner stepped in after receiving a complaint from pressure group the Sunlight Centre for Open Politics.

Ian Taylor, the Tory MP for Esher and Walton, wrote to his local party: "Departures should occasion tears of regret rather than sighs of relief. So for my part it is with sadness that I am informing you that I wish to stand down as MP for Esher and Walton at the next General Election."

In the letter, which was also sent to David Cameron and Patrick McLoughlin, chief whip of the Conservative Party, Mr Taylor said there were "several factors" behind his decision.