RICHMOND MP Zac Goldsmith has denied wrongdoing after the electoral commission received a complaint about his election spending.
The Commission says it received a complaint from the Bureau of Investigative Journalism about Mr Goldsmith's spending on campaign materials – such as signs, jackets and leaflets
It calls into question whether all the Tory MP's spending declarations were correct or whether he "reduces the costs in various ways" to remain below the limit.
Mr Goldsmith who this year won the Richmond Park seat from Lib Dem Susan Kramer has dismissed the claims as "shoddy and sensationalist journalism".
He said: "The report itself is nonsense, on every level. We were scrupulous at every stage in ensuring that our election expenses complied absolutely with the letter and spirit of the rules.
"We were probably even more careful than most, because it was a high profile campaign in a hotly contested seat, and it was inevitable that we would be examined afterwards."
Channel 4 news alleges that Mr Goldsmith spent over the £11,003 spending limit imposed on all candidates by not declaring the full amount he spent.
They claim receipts show that around £2,800 was spent on 600 signs bearing his name and photo but they only declared £262 of that expenditure.
Mr Goldsmith said: "Channel 4 have specifically focused on my returns because it guarantees them extra coverage,and not because my returns are any different to anyone else's.
"The channel turned down my offer to come and do a live interview and changed their minds only after I made that fact known to other broadcasters. This is no more than shoddy and sensationalist journalism."
Mr Goldsmith was due to be interviewed by Channel 4 News live on Friday night.
