Police probe Tory Senedd member's expenses claims

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

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.

Laura Anne Jones sits alongside Conservative Senedd leader Andrew RT Davies in the chamber

A spokesperson on behalf of the Welsh Conservatives has said that this is "a confidential process between the standards commissioner and the member".

In a statement, Ms Jones said: "I would co-operate fully with any investigation into my activities as a Member of the Senedd, as would be expected of any member.

“The standards process is confidential, and I would expect others not to provide a running commentary, or they may risk jeopardising the integrity of that process.”

Mr Davies told BBC Wales: "Any allegation of that nature would concern any member of the public, not just politicians, but the member has issued a statement.

"That process is ongoing as I understand it from media reports today, but we as a group have not received any complaint from any individual and I in my capacity as leader have not received any complaint.

"So I have not seen those complaints."

Asked if Ms Jones had his full support, he added: "Any member who carries the Conservative whip enjoys my full support, because obviously they are part of the Welsh Conservative team here in Cardiff Bay."