A LABOUR peer living in St Albans is thought to be among six politicans facing fraud charges following police investigations of parliamentary expenses.

Lord Clarke of Hampstead, who lives in Park Street, admitted claiming £18,000 a year for overnight stays in London despite not spending anything at all.

National newspapers reported today that detectives will "imminently" pass a file on the former trade unionist Anthony Clarke to the Crown prosecution Service.

The 77-year-old confessed in June this year, to claiming an allowance of £174 a night when staying with London friends for free or even when returning to his home in St Albans. Lord Clarke apologised, calling it a “terrible error” and implying the practice was common.

The other parliamentarians involved are Lord Hanningfield, Conservative county councillor for Essex, Labour MPs Elliott Morley, David Chaytor and Jim Devine, and Labour peer Baroness Uddin.