Chi Onwurah MP, Labour’s Shadow Cabinet Office Minister, responding to David Cameron’s offer of “warm support” for Maria Miller, said:

“Letting Maria Miller off the hook speaks volumes about David Cameron’s leadership. His weakness and double standards on the issue of Maria Miller’s expenses are totally unacceptable and completely out of touch.  

"He should not offer “warm support” to a cabinet minister criticised by a Parliamentary committee, but be making clear she should have cooperated fully with this inquiry. We had a contemptuous 32 second response from a cabinet minister followed by a pat on the back from the prime minister. 

"It is yet another example of how Cameron only looks after his one of his own and always stands up for the wrong people. 

"We must have the very highest standards in public office. There can be no going back to the bad old days of expenses.”