Expense claims submitted by Bob Blackman MP are to be investigated by the Parliamentary watchdog.

The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) gave no indication of the nature, volume or amount of receipts it was looking into that the Conservative MP for Harrow East had handed in for reimbursement.

Mr Blackman said: "To the best of my knowledge, all expenses claimed in relation to my duties as an MP have been fully in accordance with IPSA's rules.

"If IPSA believes otherwise, I will be more than happy to work with them to rectify any errors made as soon as possible.

"I have been cooperating fully with the investigation and will continue to do so."

Bob Blackman, Conservative MP for Harrow East, pictured before he took part in St Luke's Hospice's 2014 Jail And Bail fundraiser
Bob Blackman, Conservative MP for Harrow East, pictured before he took part in St Luke's Hospice's 2014 Jail And Bail fundraiser

It is understood the expenses would have already been submitted and paid, and would have been flagged up in a review by IPSA staff.

Mr Blackman, 58, was alerted to the probe on Thursday, the day before IPSA posted the news on its website.

IPSA notification said: "The Compliance Officer for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority has today opened an investigation into claims made under the MPs’ Scheme of Business Costs and Expenses by Mr Blackman.

"In accordance with the legislation and the procedures for investigation made thereunder, no further information shall be published until the investigation has been concluded.

"Upon conclusion of the investigation, a report including details of the case made against the MP, evidence, findings and any sanctions will be published."