BOLTON MP Ruth Kelly was spared criticism by her constituency Labour Party colleagues last night when she was quizzed about her expenses.

Ms Kelly, who represents Bolton West, was summoned to the meeting to explain newspaper reports that she billed the taxpayer for thousands of pounds of repair work and refurbishment, following a flood at her home in Horwich. Some members of the party put forward a motion of censure — a way of officially recording their disgust — but it was withdrawn at the meeting, which lasted more than two hours.

Last week the Daily Telegraph published a list of expenses claims, which detailed designer furniture, electrical equipment and repair work which Ms Kelly allegedly tried to claim for on her second home allowances.

Kevin McKeown, chairman of the Bolton West constituency Labour party, said: “Ruth spoke to members and outlined the history of the expenses system and acknowledged the damage the recent press coverage has done.

“She apologised for that damage and members were satisfied with her financial affairs and are satisfied with the work she is doing.”

He added: “We ended the meeting by expressing our full support for the work she is doing.”

He revealed that the two Labour groups, Westhoughton North and Westhoughton South, who had put forward the motion, withdrew it.

Ms Kelly said: “Obviously, I am pleased to have the support of Labour members. We have all got to take a share of the responsibility for not getting our house in order.”

Mr McKeown said he felt the recent expenses disclosures took away from greater issues such as the corruption of big city bankers.

But he added: “Some MPs are corrupt, there is corruption in all walks of life but it is all about proportion.”

MPs from all parties have come under fire over the last three weeks following a campaign by the Daily Telegraph to expose politicians who have abused the expenses system.

Ms Kelly had announced her intention to stand down at the next General Election before the Daily Telegraph story came to light.

Speaking before the meeting, Cllr David Chadwick, treasurer of the local party, who also represents Westhoughton South on Bolton Council, said he was disgusted by the report.

He added: “I have spent the last 12 months as mayor of Westhoughton raising thousands of pounds for charity, yet when I go round knocking on doors for the European election campaign, we are all called thieves and vagabonds.

“It doesn’t matter what level of politics you are at — everyone is being tarred with the same brush.”