SHAHID Malik resigned from the Government yesterday after an expenses scandal – just days after telling the Examiner he was “sickened” by other MPs’ claims.

The Dewsbury Labour MP stood down as justice minister after his expenses claims – including £2,100 for a 40-inch flat-screen TV – became public.

Mr Malik – whose constituency includes Mirfield – denied any wrongdoing yesterday.

And last night he was backed by the unanimous support of his Dewsbury constituency Labour Party, officials saying that his integrity was still intact.

Mr Malik’s resignation as minister came just three days after he told the Examiner that some of his fellow MPs were bringing politicians into disrepute.

On Tuesday he said: “There’s no doubt the situation has been abused by some MPs who have gone way beyond the pale.

“One aspect which particularly disturbs me is the Tory grandees using this money for moats, swimming pools and country estates. This is money that should go to those who cannot afford to be an MP.

“The idea of a multi-millionaire MP using this money in such a way will sicken the public right across Kirklees and does nothing good for the image of politicians.”

But yesterday a national newspaper published details of Mr Malik’s expenses claims.

The Daily Telegraph claimed the Labour MP pays £100 a week rent out of his own pocket for a three-bedroom home in Dewsbury Moor – well below the market rate.

The Dewsbury MP claimed more than £66,000 between 2005 and 2008 for his London house which he bought in 2001 – four years before he became an MP.

Mr Malik claimed £2,100 for a 40-inch flat-screen TV, with House of Commons authorities agreeing to pay half the amount.

In March 2006 he wrote to Parliamentary authorities asking for the taxpayer to foot the entire cost of the TV on the grounds of “natural justice.” Mr Malik was upset that House of Commons officials had not told him before he bought the television that there was a limit on the amount which could be claimed for a TV.

Mr Malik said yesterday he had resigned from the Government so the rent issue could be investigated.

He said: “I spoke with the Prime Minister this morning and we agreed that the best way forward in the face this specific allegation was for me to step to one side as an interim measure and allow Sir Philip Mawer to look into the matter.

“I’m pleased to have this opportunity to clear my name. I would like to make it clear that this inquiry has nothing whatsoever to do with my expense claims but relates to an allegation regarding my rent which, if true, would breach the ministerial code.

“I am confident that there has been no such breach and look forward to the findings of the inquiry so that I can continue to serve my constituents as their MP and the country as a minister with my head held high.”

Speaking before his resignation, Mr Malik defended his expenses claims. He said: “I have done absolutely nothing to apologise for. Once I explain the situation to my constituents, I’m sure they will be more understanding than the media are.”

Mr Malik said his London flat was his second home, allowing him to legitimately claim expenses on the property.

He said: “I spend half the week in London and half in Dewsbury. But when Parliament is in recess I spend the majority of my time in Dewsbury. I’m the first MP since the Second World War to live in Dewsbury and I’m proud of that.”

Mr Malik added that the House of Commons fees office had effectively given him the green light to buy the £2,100 TV.

He said: “I asked if there was a limit and they said ‘just buy whatever you would buy for your home’. Then when I submitted the claim they said I was above the limit.

“I don’t feel I was well served. I sought advise and it wasn’t forthcoming.”

Mirfield councillor Martyn Bolt rubbished Mr Malik’s resignation as Justice Minister yesterday.

The Conservative said: “I would be a lot happier if he resigned as an MP. I don’t think it’s much in the way of retribution or apology.

“Did he jump or was he pushed by Gordon Brown? I don’t think this will wash with the electorate.”

He added that Mr Malik did not in fact live in the Dewsbury constituency. Clr Bolt said that Mr Malik’s home in Dewsbury Moor was actually just across the boundary in the Batley and Spen constituency.

He said: “As an MP, Mr Malik will be aware of his constituency boundaries. You’d have thought he could have found a home in his constituency. Where is he registered as a voter?”

Simon Reevell, Conservative Parliamentary candidate for Dewsbury, said yesterday: “I can’t imagine this episode will be the highlight of Mr Malik’s election campaign but I want people to judge me on my merits rather than by what other people have done.”

Mr Malik, 41, was first elected in 2005 with a majority of 4,615 over the Conservatives.

In 2007/08 he claimed £157,255 in expenses, including employing five staff members.

Yesterday the Examiner asked Mr Malik’s office to reveal the full details of his expenses claims. There was no response.