AN East Lancashire MP will face false accounting charges as part of an investigation into parliamentary expenses.

Ramsbottom’s MP David Chaytor, who lives in Todmorden, will face court action along with two Labour colleagues and one Conservative.

The Bury North MP, who grew up in Summerseat, will face prosecution under the Theft Act, Director of Public Prosecutions Keir Starmer has confirmed.

Scunthorpe MP Elliott Morley, Livingstone member Jim Devine and Tory peer Lord Hanningfield, will also face magistrates.

Mr Chaytor has indicated previously he would vigorously contest any charges.

He is not standing at the next General Election.

A Labour Party spokesman said: “The Labour Party has already barred Elliot Morley, David Chaytor and Jim Devine from standing as Labour candidates at the next election and has taken the toughest action on expenses of any political party.

”The Labour Government has swept away the old, discredited expenses system and introduced a new transparent regime.

”The Labour Party has zero tolerance for criminal behaviour and will take the strongest possible disciplinary action against any party member found guilty of breaking the law.

”We will not comment further while the legal process is ongoing.”

David Chaytor has previously apologised “unreservedly” for what he called an “unforgivable error in my accounting procedures”.

His wife, Sheena, described the claims as a “stupid mistake”.

He has paid back almost £13,000.

The charges

Mr Chaytor faces three charges under section 17 of the Theft Act 1968 for false accounting.

The first count alleges that in May 2006 Mr Chaytor dishonestly claimed £1,950 for computer services by using false invoices.

The second count alleges that between September 2005 and September 2006 Mr Chaytor dishonestly claimed £12,925 for renting a property in Regency Street, London, when he was allegedly its owner.

The third charge alleges that between September 2007 and January 2008 Mr Chaytor dishonestly claimed £5,425, purportedly for renting a property in Bury from his mother.