Police probe into Conservative Senedd member’s expenses claims

A Senedd member is being investigated by police and the Welsh Parliament’s standards watchdog over allegations of making false expenses claims.

BBC Wales understands the standards commissioner referred a complaint about Laura Anne Jones to police after messages came to light which allegedly suggested a former staff member was told to claim for travel on her behalf which had not taken place.

South Wales Police has confirmed it has received information from the Senedd Commissioner for Standards and it is currently under investigation.

Ms Jones, the Conservative shadow culture minister, said she will co-operate with “any investigation”.

Welsh Conservative Senedd leader Andrew RT Davies told BBC Wales Ms Jones had his full support.

A senior Tory source said an internal investigation was taking place but the whip has not been removed, meaning she stays in the Senedd Conservative group.

It is the responsibility of the Standards Commissioner, Douglas Bain, to independently investigate complaints into the conduct of Members of the Senedd (MSs).

Messages apparently came to light as part of a complaint to the commissioner, by a now former member of Ms Jones’s staff, relating to alleged bullying allegations against another member of office staff.

It is understood the standards commissioner’s investigation is on hold while the police investigation is taking place, and police have spoken to at least one Conservative member of staff as part of their investigation.