The spending watchdog has investigated the minister over claims he used taxpayers' money for political activities.

Paul Maynard said he believed the financial agreements he entered into were “appropriate”; Photo: RICHARD TOWNSHEND, PHOTOGRAPHY

The newly appointed pensions minister is under investigation by the House of Commons Expenditure Committee over allegations he broke rules prohibiting the use of taxpayers' money for political purposes.

On Saturday, the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority said it had referred the allegations against Paul Maynard to its compliance officer. This could result in Mr Maynard being reported to the House of Commons standards watchdog if he is found to have broken the rules governing the expenditure system.

Mr Maynard, the Conservative MP for Blackpool North and Cleveleys, allegedly breached IPSA Rules by using taxpayer-funded office equipment to print party political material, including leaflets urging voters to vote Conservative.

The MP, who was appointed pensions minister in Rishi Sunak's November reshuffle, is also alleged to have used public funds to pay rent for an office that serves as his local party headquarters.

The Sunday Times, which first reported the allegations, said the fine print on several overtly political leaflets indicated they were printed by a taxpayer-funded constituency office.

«I will abide by any findings»

In a statement IPSA said: «Given the additional information provided by The Sunday Times, we will refer this matter to the IPSA Compliance Officer.»

Mr Maynard, who has been an MP since 2010, said: «I have financial agreements with IPSA regarding the special use of my constituency office by a local Conservative association.»

“I believe these arrangements are appropriate, but we will seek clarification from IPSA to be sure of this. I will of course comply with any findings they make and ensure that any payments deemed necessary can be made promptly.»

Mr Maynard reportedly demanded £106,036 for printing and related stationery costs since 2010 are the highest amount. The amount for any Conservative member is significantly higher than the average £25,000 claimed by MPs.

IPSA rules state that the body will not reimburse “activities that could be construed as campaign expenses within the context of political parties, the Elections and Referendums Act 2000 or election expenditure under the Representation of the People Act 1983.»

It will also not fund «any other activity the purpose of which is to give MPs an advantage in the general election campaign.» and referendums.»