Ludlow’s Conservative MP has been cleared by the House of Commons of an alleged misuse of his communications allowance after a complaint was lodged.

Philip Dunne today welcomed the publication of the formal response by the Commons authorities to the complaint, which was made by the Ludlow Liberal Democrats and led Mr Dunne to be reported to the Director of Communications.

Mr Dunne said: “I am delighted to have been exonerated from any misuse of taxpayers’ funds.

“I have always been scrupulous in drawing a clear distinction between the costs incurred in doing my job as Member of Parliament for Ludlow and the costs of political campaigning.

“These unsubstantiated allegations were a blatant attempt by my political opponents to try to embroil me in the expenses row engulfing MPs.”

Part of the complaint claimed Mr Dunne had sent party political communications using the logo of the House of Commons, which should only be used on non-political items.

In the letter, Chris Sear, director of finance and administration, said: “Although you used the portcullis on a letter including a survey that included political aspects, this was on paper supplied and paid for by you and not paid for from the allowances.

“I can confirm that there has been no cost to the public purse of this material.”

Mr Dunne agreed not to use the portcullis symbol on letterheads used for party political purposes.

Melfyn ab Owain, Liberal Democrat agent for Ludlow, refused to comment without seeing the ruling. He added: “I’m glad that the authorities have noted the misuse of the House of Commons logo.”