Simon Danczuk MP investigated over expenses claims

Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk is being investigated over accommodation expenses claims, the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority has said.

Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority compliance officer Peter Davis said he had launched the probe into the politician after receiving a complaint.

The investigation relates to claims for supplementary expenses to cover the cost of Mr Danczuk's children living with him.

Danczuk has two children with first wife Sonia Rossington, and two with second wife Karen Danczuk.

He is believed to have claimed thousands of pounds in additional expenses so he could accommodate them at a flat in London.

But questions have been raised about how often the two eldest children stay with him.

Responding to the investigation, Danczuk said that his original claim was "made properly" and made on his "honest interpretation of the Ipsa regulations".

Mr Davis said he had received a complaint from a member of the public and had "opened an investigation to determine whether Mr Simon Danczuk MP has been paid an amount under the MPs' Scheme of Business Costs and Expenses that should not have been allowed".

Mr Danczuk previously said he checked the claims with Ipsa and thinks he has done nothing wrong.

The MP had his Labour Party membership suspended in December following allegations of inappropriate behaviour.