Party to probe Scots MP expenses

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The Labour MP for Livingston, Jim Devine, is to face an internal party investigation into his parliamentary expenses, it has been revealed.

The Labour Party said it was referring him to its special endorsement panel to consider if he can stand as a Labour candidate at the next election.

The MP has faced allegations that he submitted receipts for work from a company that may never have existed.

The former public services union official has denied any wrongdoing.

A Labour Party spokesperson said: "Jim Devine has been referred to the special NEC (National Executive Committee) endorsements panel for urgent consideration.

"The panel will report back as soon as possible with recommendations to the organisation committee of the NEC on whether to remove Jim Devine's endorsement to stand for election as a Labour Party candidate."

Meanwhile, two Cabinet ministers are paying back money they have insisted they mistakenly claimed on expenses.

Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon received almost £400 for household bills at his second home while he lived in his official residence.

Chancellor Alistair Darling claimed hundreds of pounds for service charges at a flat he rented out when he moved into number eleven.