Lord Hanningfield, Conservative leader of Essex County Council, is reportedly being investigated by Scotland Yard over his expenses.

Commenting on the investigation, Liberal Democrat group leader Cllr Tom Smith-Hughes said: “As Lord Hanningfield does the job of being a Conservative peer in the House of Lord as well as fulfilling the role as leader of Essex County Council, there has always been the potential for confusion over expenses.

“I am aware there are many days when Lord Hanningfield works both here at county hall and at the House of Lords, so would be eligible to make different claims in both places on the same day. I hope this investigation will stimulate Essex County Council into improving the way it deals with councillors’ expenses, including making them available to the public. Councillors’ 2007/08 expenses have not yet been published, although many other councils have already published 2008/09 expenses. The council should also lay down clear boundaries and guidelines on all councillors’ expenses, including for the leader.”