LEWES MP Maria Caulfield has been cleared after a ten-month police investigation into alleged electoral fraud.

The Conservative MP and her Liberal Democrat predecessor Norman Baker have both been cleared of any wrongdoing following a lengthy police investigation.

Sussex Police first received a complaint from the Liberal Democrats about Ms Caulfield’s expenses in May while the investigation was expanded to Mr Baker a month later following a Tory objection.

Nationally 12 police forces have handed files to the Crown Prosecution Service over election spending declarations.

Councillor Sarah Osborne, Lib Dem leader on Lewes District Council, said: “I hope now that the Electoral Commission get more power and will get to look at individual spend rather than just national spend.

“The Electoral Commission themselves have asked for more powers and wanted to fine the Conservatives more because they failed to co- operate and were obstructive.”

Ms Caulfield said: “I am delighted that Sussex Police have dropped this investigation into my election expenses.

“All of my election expenses were submitted in full accordance with election law and I am pleased that Sussex Police has recognised this.

“I am pleased that I can continue to carrying out my duties as the MP for Lewes without the unwarranted investigation brought about by my political opponents.”

A Sussex Police spokesman said: “In May and June 2016 Sussex Police received several allegations of election expenses irregularities by candidates in the 2015 parliamentary General Election.

“An extension of one year for two investigations to take place was granted by a district judge following two applications made in June 2016.

“Following thorough investigations into both allegations, Sussex Police has now decided no further action will be taken as the evidence in each case does not reach the threshold to justify submission to the CPS.”