Police drop Tory politician expenses fraud probe

Laura Anne Jones is a Conservative Member of the Senedd representing South Wales East

A fraud investigation into a Conservative politician's expenses has been dropped by police.

South Wales Police said it had finished its inquiries into Laura Anne Jones with "no evidence of fraudulent activity" uncovered.

The Member of the Senedd (MS) for South Wales East, who always denied making false mileage claims, had been asked to step back from her duties as a front bench spokeswoman while the investigation was ongoing.

Jones said the past few months had been "far from ideal but I have been given strength by the fact of my innocence and from the volume of support that I have received".

She added: "I have not let it distract me and I look forward to continuing to serve my constituents to the best of my ability and holding the Welsh Labour government to account."

Police became involved after Senedd standards commissioner Douglas Bain referred a complaint to the force earlier this year.

In a statement, South Wales Police said it had "concluded its investigation into an allegation of fraud following a referral from the Senedd commissioner for standards".

It added: "No evidence of fraudulent activity has been found and the investigation is now closed. All relevant parties have been updated."

Senedd Tory leader Andrew RT Davies had given Jones his support since the allegations broke in May and was criticised behind the scenes by some in his party for not removing the whip from her.

He faces a vote of confidence of Tory MSs on Tuesday after some raised broader concerns over his leadership.

The closure of the police investigation means Mr Bain can resume his own inquiries, should he choose.