He is one of four politicians who will face criminal charges over his expenses claims.

Although he denies the charges, Lord Hanningfield is also standing down as shadow transport minister in the House of Lords, and has been suspended from the parliamentary Conservative Party.

Lord Hanningfield has been charged with six cases of false accounting.

He allegedly submitted claims for expenses to which he knew he was not entitled between March 2006 and May 2009. This includes numerous claims for overnight accommodation in London, when records show he drove home and did not stay in the capital.

In a statement, Lord Hanningfield said he would "vigourously" defend himself against the charges.