The charges are as follows:

Elliot Morley faces two charges under the Theft Act for false accounting, both are in relation to claims he made for mortgage interest payments on a property in Winterton between 2004 to 2007. This allowed him to pocket more than £16,000 thanks to the taxpayer.

The charges alleges he made claims “in excess of that to which he was entitled” and – for part of the period when “there was no longer a mortgage on that property”.

David Chaytor faces the charges under the Theft Act for false accounting. It is alleged that he “dishonestly claiming” £1,950 for IT services and further sums of £12, 925 and £5,425 relating to rent on properties in London and Lancashire.

Jim Devine faces two charges under the Theft Act for false accounting. The CPS accused him of “dishonestly claiming” money for cleaning services and for stationery using false invoices.

Lord Hanningfield is facing SIX charges under the Theft Act for false accounting. relating to dishonestly submitting recipes for expenses to which he was not entitled, including for staying in London, even when the record showed that he had been driven home.

All face lengthy prison sentences of around 7 years if they are found guilty.