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A Senedd Member is being investigated by police over allegations of making false expenses claims.

Laura Anne Jones, who has been accused of instructing a staff member to make a false claim for travel expenses, said she will cooperate fully with any investigation.

South Wales Police said it has received a referral from Douglas Bain, the Senedd’s standards commissioner, who has paused his own investigation.

Ms Jones, the Conservative MS for South Wales East, retains the whip, meaning she remains a member of the Conservative group in the Senedd.

In a statement, she said: “I would cooperate fully with any investigation into my activities as a Member of the Senedd, were they to happen, as would be expected of any member.

“The standards process is confidential, and I would expect others not to provide a running commentary, or they may risk jeopardising the integrity of that process.”