Police reopen dropped probe into politician

Police are continuing to investigate the expenses of a Welsh Conservative politician despite having decided to close the case, BBC Wales has been told.

Laura Anne Jones is under investigation after texts from her phone appeared to show an employee was asked to maximise expenses claims on her behalf.

A source told the BBC police officers had previously decided that no further action would be taken against the MS, because there was no evidence of wrongdoing.

Her spokesperson said: "Laura has always denied the allegations against her."

The spokesperson added: "She has continued working as normal in Senedd and in her region, and she is out and about working for her constituents today”.

It is understood the case against Jones is still open and being investigated after new information came to light.

A South Wales Police spokesperson said the force was "unable to provide an update at this time".

Jones has previously said that she would cooperate fully with any investigation.

In June, BBC Wales reported on texts that had emerged from the phone of the MS, where a staff member was asked: "When doing petrol thing - always make more than I did – add in stuff please OK."

The context for the WhatsApp messages regarding her expenses was not evident.

A solicitor on her behalf said at the time the MS was "satisfied that any allegations in relation to impropriety surrounding expenses are entirely misconceived".

The Member of the Senedd for South Wales East is also currently being investigated by standards commissioner Douglas Bain.

Mr Bain, who is responsible for investigating complaints against MSs, had referred a complaint on to South Wales Police, according to the force.

It is understood the standards commissioner’s investigation is on hold while the police inquiry is taking place.

Jones has been stripped of her shadow cabinet role but remains a part of the Conservative group in the Welsh Parliament.