Rossendale and Darwen MP Jake Berry is in the clear over election expenses

It follows a year-long investigation into whether the visit of a national Conservative ‘battlebus’ to the marginal seat should have been declared on his spending return.

The probe was linked to a nationwide inquiry by the Electoral Commission which led to the Conservative Party being fined £70,000 for breaking campaign expenses rules.

Several Conservative MPs have been investigated by police about the possible failure to include in their personal expenses the cost of visits by the Tory ‘battlebus’ full of party activists, potentially breaking the legal limit.

A total of 12 police forces asked the Crown Prosecution Service to consider charges which could disqualify the MPs from office.

Now Mr Berry, the MP since 2010, has been told by DC Mark Aldridge: “It is the decision of Lancashire Police that in this case there will be no further action.”

Mr Berry said: “This politically-motivated investigation has been a complete waste of the police’s valuable time.

"As I have said all along, I have done nothing wrong.

“I acted honestly and openly at all times and the return of my election expenses was declared and submitted accurately.

“I am pleased that Lancashire Constabulary have now agreed that there is nothing further to investigate and will be taking no further action.”

Nick Pilling, chairman of Rossendale and Darwen Labour Party, said: “This is a decision for the police. We can now look forward to a good, straight fight for the seat on June 8.”

Lancashire Police has also concluded its investigation into the presence of the ‘battlebus’ in Morecambe and Lunesdale Tory MP David Morris’ marginal seat in 2015 and separate inquiry into Labour MP for Lancaster and Fleetwood’s election expenses ‘without further action’.

A police spokesman said: “Following an investigation into the 2015 election spending of Rossendale and Darwen MP Jake Berry we can confirm no further action will take place in respect of this matter.”