MP survives deselection bid over expenses

A Conservative MP facing a revolt by her constituents over her second home expenses claims has spoken of her relief after hanging on to her job.

Eleanor Laing, the shadow justice minister and MP for Epping Forest, last night survived a no-confidence vote at a meeting of 200 members of the Epping Forest Conservative Association in Loughton.

Ms Laing avoided paying more than £100,000 in capital gains tax on the sale of two properties on which she had claimed public money. She has denied any wrongdoing and has since repaid £25,000. She said she was humbled to win "overwhelming support".

Officials said 83 per cent of those at the meeting voted against deselecting her. Ms Laing: "I'm absolutely delighted."

One member said the vote had been a "whitewash" as he left the meeting. Ms Laing disagreed, saying: "I've been scrutinised and I have answered all the questions and my critics accept that."