Tory backbencher Julie Kirkbride succumbed to intense pressure over her expenses today by saying she will stand down as an MP.

At the same time, Luton South Labour MP Margaret Moran announced she will also stand down at the next election.

Bromsgrove MP Ms Kirkbride followed her husband, Andrew MacKay, in announcing her departure from parliament at the next general election.

The couple came under fire when it emerged that Commons allowances had been used to simultaneously fund both the homes where they lived.

Yesterday it emerged that Ms Kirkbride had let her brother live in her 'second home' rent free and paid her sister, who lives in Corfe Mullen, £12,000 to be her constituency secretary.

Julie Kirkbride defends her expenses before the announcement she was to stand down.

Luton South MP Margaret Moran is also standing down. Esther Rantzen had been poised to stand in her constituency but said she would only do so if Mrs Moran stood again.