MPs expenses: Police urged to quiz Alistair Darling

Chancellor Alistair Darling is one of six MPs who could face a police probe over their expenses, the Standard can reveal today.

Another leading minister who could be the subject of a Scotland Yard investigation is Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon.

A third is Minister for London Tony McNulty — the minister who claimed £60,000 for a house that his parents live in. Scotland Yard is looking into the complaints against the ministers and three backbenchers received from members of the public, including from individuals described as members of Westminster's "political circle".

Scotland Yard said officers from the Specialist Crime Directorate were considering what action to take. One insider said: "If we receive a complaint we have to consider it. We will be looking at what has been done and the implications within the law. We will also take into account the chances of getting a conviction." Police are expected to consult the Crown Prosecution Service who must decide whether prosecutions are in the public interest. Mr Darling was accused of "flipping" his second home twice, a move that could have increased his claims.

Mr Hoon was alleged to have built up a property portfolio worth £1.7 million with the help of the expenses system while living free in a ministerial flat.

Earlier this month it emerged that the Yard was considering a complaint against Mr McNulty that he had "obtained pecuniary advantage by deception." David Miliband today called on Labour to "raise its game".

The Foreign Secretary urged a "new, can-do, confident spirit" to rescue Labour. While Mr Miliband made clear he expects the Prime Minister to remain leader until the next general election, his comments were seen as a clear indication that he will run for the top job after the election.

David Cameron suffered a blow when former Conservative chairman Lord Tebbit urged the public to vote against the major parties in protest over the expenses scandal.