FOUR MPs and peers are to face criminal charges relating to their expense claims.

MPs Elliot Morleyand Jim Devine face two charges each, David Chaytor faces three and and peer Lord Hanningfield is to be charge with six offences.

The Crown Prosecution Service revealed their intention to press charges at a press conference this morning.

:: Elliot Morley

The former Agriculture Minister and Labour MP for Scunthorpe faces two counts under the Theft Act 1968 of dishonestly claiming expenses.

The first count alleges that between April 2004 and February 2006, Mr Morley dishonestly claimed mortgage expenses of £14,428 for a house in Winterton, Lincolnshire.

The second count alleges that between March 2006 and November 2007 Mr Morley dishonestly claimed mortgage expenses of £16,000 for the same property when there was no longer a mortgage on that property.

:: David Chaytor

The Bury North MP faces three charges under section 17 of the Theft Act 1968 for false accounting.

The first count alleges that in May 2006 Mr Chaytor dishonestly claimed £1,950 for computer services by using false invoices.

The second count alleges that between September 2005 and September 2006 Mr Chaytor dishonestly claimed £12,925 for renting a property in Regency Street, London, when he was in fact its owner.

The third charge alleges that between September 2007 and January 2008 Mr Chaytor dishonestly claimed £5,425, purportedly for renting a property in Bury, Lancashire, from his mother.

:: Jim Devine

The Livingston MP faces two charges under section 17 of the Theft Act 1968 for false accounting.

The first count alleges that between July 2008 and April 2009 Mr Devine dishonestly claimed £3,240 for cleaning services using false invoices.

The second count alleges that in March 2009 Mr Devine dishonestly claimed £5,505 for stationery using false invoices.

:: Lord Hanningfield

The Conservative Peer, who is also leader of Essex County Council, faces six charges under section 17 of the Theft Act 1968 for false accounting.

The charges allege that between March 2006 and May 2009, he dishonestly submitted claims for expenses to which he knew he was not entitled.

The allegations focus on numerous claims for overnight expenses for staying in London when records show he was driven home and did not stay in the capital.