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South Wales East Senedd Member Laura Anne Jones has been removed from the Welsh Conservatives’ shadow cabinet while a police investigation into expenses claims takes place.

Ms Jones has been accused of instructing a staff member to make a false claim for travel expenses.

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.

However, the party’s leader Andrew RT Davies has confirmed he has asked her to step down from her role as shadow minister for culture, tourism, sport and social justice.

WhatsApp messages

BBC Wales has published screenshots of WhatsApp conversations purportedly between Ms Jones and a staff member.

It is alleged Ms Jones sent a message saying: “When doing petrol thing – always make more than I did – add in stuff please ok.”

Lawyers acting on behalf of Ms Jones said: “Ms Jones is satisfied that any allegations in relation to impropriety surrounding expenses are entirely misconceived.”

She has said she will co-operate fully with any investigation.