The massive police investigation into a complaint made by a former Labour MP could cost taxpayers £1.5 million, it has emerged.

Fiona Jones, the former member for Newark Nottinghamshire argued that police officers broke the law when they launched a two and a half year investigation into allegations she committed election expenses fraud.

Although she was found guilty in 1999, the verdict was overturned on appeal. She then lodged her complaint against Nottinghamshire police, arguing she had been the victim of a "malicious" investigation. Today's Daily Mail reports that the Crown Prosecution Service is to take no action against the police officers involved.

Jones's successor, Patrick Mercer, is now questioning why so much money was spent on the case.