A POLITICIAN has called for local MPs to hold public meetings to discuss the expenses scandal.

Ray Mallon, the outspoken elected mayor of Middlesbrough, said the meetings were needed to reassure the public that their elected members have nothing to hide.

Mr Mallon has written to Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson asking him to investigate whether any crimes had been committed by MPs claiming expenses.

He said: “I have not seen anything to suggest that any of our local MPs have done anything criminal, although I have been surprised at some of the reported expense claims.

“I think there is a lot of confusion and anger within the public domain, and properly organised public meetings will help to give constituents the answers they seek.”

Mr Mallon said that he would be happy to run the meetings for the two MPs who represent his town – Ashok Kumar and Sir Stuart Bell.

However, Mr Mallon said: “It would also be in the interests of the whole of the Tees area if Vera Baird, Frank Cook, Dari Taylor, Iain Wright and Alan Milburn organised their own public meetings so that their constituencies can hold them to account.

“The Prime Minister has made it clear he expects MPs to engage on this matter with constituents, and I feel this is the best way of doing that.

“Any such public meeting needs to be properly organised and should not be allowed to descend into a slanging match – that will not achieve anything. People should be given the chance to ask questions and the MP should be given the chance to answer.”

Last night, Sir Stuart said an independent review was being carried out into all MPs expenses.

He said: “When the full review is available to the public, it would be appropriate for MPs, if they wish, to take up the mayor’s offer.

“In the meantime, I am happy to answer any query from any constituent on my allowances if they wish to contact me.”