A “SMALL number” of MPs and peers will face a full criminal investigation into allegations they misused their expenses, Scotland Yard said tonight.

A “SMALL number” of MPs and peers will face a full criminal investigation into allegations they misused their expenses, Scotland Yard said tonight.

The investigation will be conducted by officers from the Met's Economic and Specialist Crime Command, overseen by Temporary Assistant Commissioner Janet Williams.

It is understood the joint panel of experts will continue to consider a small number of other individuals.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: “After consideration by the joint Metropolitan Police and Crown Prosecution Service assessment panel the Met has decided to launch an investigation into the alleged misuse of expenses by a small number of MPs and peers.”

Scotland Yard declined to name the MPs or peers at the centre of the police inquiries or their political allegiance.