Minister Steps Down Over Expenses Row

Junior Justice Minister Shahid Malik has became the first Cabinet member to step down over the Commons expenses furore.

However, Prime Minister Gordon Brown has said Mr Malik will be reinstated should he be cleared of any wrong-doing.

Claims were made regarding Mr Malik's rental costs in today's Daily Telegraph.

The paper has ran a series of MPs expenses exposés during the last eight days.

It has been alleged Mr Malik's housing claims broke ministerial rules, an accusation he had rebutted "a million per cent".

Sir Philip Mawer has been drafted in to investigate whether the Minister's rental arrangement broke the Cabinet code.

Mr Malik has called for an end to the "bloodfest" among the popular press, suggesting today's reports were a "fabrication".

It is believed Sir Philip, appointed by the PM, could make a ruling within days.

Mr Brown said Mr Malik would be returned to office if he is cleared, and that no interim minister will be installed.

There is no suggestion Mr Malik broke Parliamentary rules on expenses, it is his conduct as a minister which is under scrutiny.

The Daily Telegraph alleges he claimed the maximum amount allowable - £66,827 over three years - on his second home in London - but obtained a discounted rent of £100 a week on his main family home in his Dewsbury constituency, which he paid out of his own pocket.

Mr Malik has denied the allegations.

(PR/JM)