LABOUR party members in a North-East constituency say there are no moves to deselect their MP following revelations about her expenses.

A meeting of Bishop Auckland Constituency Labour Party (CLP) was called last night to discuss MP Helen Goodman’s claims.

Ms Goodman, who represents some of the country’s most deprived areas, was under fire this month after The Daily Telegraph published her expenses.

It was revealed she claimed £519.13 for a week in a “cosy” holiday cottage in Teesdale, £350 for an antique walnut desk and submitted a claim for a £42.18 hotel bill before her election in 2005. The claim was rejected.

It is understood Ms Goodman showed her full claims to the CLP executive last night.

CLP president Councillor Neil Foster said they presented no threat to her selection.

Speaking after the meeting, he said: “This has been an opportunity to talk to Helen about her expenses and has been very constructive.

“We are completely satisfied with everything that has gone on and look forward to the full publication of MPs’ expenses in the next couple of weeks. We did not find her expenses claims were extraordinary and we will discuss it at a full meeting of Labour party members.

“The feedback from members knocking on doors has been very good and we are more than delighted with what Helen has been doing in the constituency.”

Ms Goodman defended her claims last week and said paying for a hotel was more costly than a week at the Bide-a- Wee holiday home in Romaldkirk, Teesdale.

At the time, in 2005, she was searching for a home in the constituency.

She said she welcomed the chance to discuss the claims with members, and said: “I am not one of the MPs who has been accused of acting improperly.

“It is just that I wanted to know what they feel about it and what they feel should be done.”

Press and public were not allowed into the meeting.

One CLP member, however, said they would have preferred an open meeting, and said: “If you have nothing to hide, why not show everyone everything?”

Coun Foster said the group would focus on elections, and said: “We are now going to concentrate on next week’s (European) elections.

“We do not want to hand it to fringe parties; we want to get people interested in real politics.