“The Labour Party has already barred Elliot Morley, David Chaytor and Jim Devine from standing as Labour candidates at the next election and has taken the toughest action on expenses of any political party. The Labour government has swept away the old, discredited expenses system and introduced a new transparent regime. The Labour party has zero-tolerance for criminal behaviour and will take the strongest possible disciplinary action against any party member found guilty of breaking the law. We will not comment further while the legal process is ongoing.”

- Labour party spokesman, a moment ago