As North MPs give their response to calls for details of expenses to be revealed, political editor Chris Lloyd speaks to Middlesbrough mayor and former police officer Ray Mallon, who is calling for a police inquiry.

RAY MALLON stepped into the furore surrounding MPs’ expenses last night by calling upon the Metropolitan Police to make criminal investigations.

Mr Mallon – nicknamed “Robocop” during his crimefighting days with Cleveland Police – believes there is now enough evidence for MPs to be investigated for potential breach of the Theft Act or for other crimes, such as false accounting.

Explaining his action, Mr Mallon said: “If I stand by and do nothing then I am as good as condoning what has gone on.”

Technically, the police are unable to start an investigation until an allegation or a formal complaint is made.

Now Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson has received Mr Mallon’s complaint, he will have to make a decision whether or not to investigate.

Mr Mallon, the directlyelected independent mayor of Middlesbrough, who writes a weekly column in The Northern Echo, said: “I am incensed that MPs have apparently been funding lavish lifestyles with public money at a time when millions are struggling to get by and when, locally, more than 2,000 hard-working people at Corus face losing their livelihood.

“As homes are being re-possessed up and down the country, it appears that some MPs have been secretly manipulating the system to help pay off mortgages, dodge taxes and increase the value of their homes at the expense of the taxpayer. The guidelines for all MPs say claims should not be made unless they are “above reproach” – clearly some of these claims have gone way beyond that and may have crossed into criminality.

These reports have shone a light on the despicable, institutionalised milking of the British taxpayer by the very people elected to protect their interests. The time has now come for the police to conduct a thorough investigation to decide whether any charges should be brought.”

Last night, a Metropolitan police spokesman said the force was considering a number of complaints.