A Lancashire MP is being investigated for a potential breach of parliamentary standards over claims submitted for office costs that may not have been allowed.

Paul Maynard, Conservative MP for Blackpool North and Cleveleys, and also pensions minister, is being investigated over alleged misuse of public funds.

The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority opened an investigation into the MP on Wednesday, February 21, over claims he has used taxpayer money to fund political campaigning.

A notice, posted to the IPSA Compliance Officer’s website reads: “The Compliance Officer for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority has opened an investigation to determine whether Mr Paul Maynard MP has been paid an amount under the MPs’ Scheme of Staffing and Business Costs that should not have been allowed.

“An investigation will be conducted into claims submitted under the following area of the Scheme: Office Costs.

“In accordance with the legislation and the procedures for investigation made thereunder, no further information will be published until the investigation has been concluded.”

Mr Maynard, 48, who has represented the seaside seat since 2010 has said he will cooperate fully with the investigation.

An investigation by the Sunday Times, published in January, alleged Mr Maynard had been using taxpayer cash to pay for party political material, and used his constituency office as a base for the local Conservative association in Blackpool North.

Under current rules, MPs are given public funds to enable them to run a constituency office to serve people in their area, however they cannot use the same facilities or staff for party political work or campaigns, which must be funded from separate political donations.

Mr Maynard, who has previously been a railways minister, justice minister and a party whip, said: "I will work with IPSA to ensure they have all the information they require as part of their inquiry.

"Agreements have been in place covering occasional use of my constituency office but I have made it clear that I will abide by any finding made during the course of this process."

The investigation comes days after his constituency neighbour, Blackpool South MP Scott Benton, had his appeal against a proposed 35 day suspension for breaching lobbying rules rejected.

Benton, elected as a Conservative but who currently has had the whip suspended, could face a recall petition, which can trigger a by-election, if the suspension is approved by the House.