Controversial Tory MP Nadine Dorries has come up with a novel excuse for being the centre of an embarrassing expenses probe – it’s all her dog’s fault.

The expenses watchdog IPSA has launched an inquiry over claims Miss Dorries does not use her taxpayer-funded London flat on a routine basis.

Writing on her blog on Monday, the MP said the reason she did not often use the flat was that she had to go back to her Bedfordshire constituency to look after her dog. 

Miss Dorries added: ‘I am quite sure the IPSA solution to my being a single mum and lone carer of a family and a dog would be to have the dog put down and my child adopted, but I’d rather not.’

The MP, who lost her party’s whip for appearing on 'I’m A Celebrity...Get me Out of Here', says she is the subject of a ‘stitch-up’ because of her high profile.