Journalists have been examining politicians’ expenses closely since the Tory MP Derek Conway was reprimanded in January for paying his student son more than £40,000 as a Commons researcher.

Documents obtained at the weekend showed that Giles Chichester, leader of the Tory MEPs, paid his late father’s company £455,000 as a “service provider”. Its report led to Mr Chichester’s admission yesterday.

About a third of British MEPs pay spouses or children out of their €186,000 staff allowances, but most refuse to give details.

In February an auditor’s report identified shady practices used by MEPs. The report remains a closely guarded secret and senior MEPs voted last month to keep it private. But they have agreed to stop hiring relatives after 2009.

Times Recommends

• Donor organ allowed child’s own heart to heal
• Michael Jackson: Not the final chapter
• Brüno toned down for 15 rating