DISGRACED Totnes MP Anthony Steen has become the latest MP to face a police investigation into his expenses.

Mr Steen has announced he will step down at the next election after it became known that he claimed £87,000 during four years for gardening and maintenance costs at his country house near Totnes.

Last week Cllr Geoff Bladon, a former policeman and an ex-mayor of Teignmouth, announced that he had asked police to investigate Teignbridge MP Richard Younger-Ross's expenses.

Now, stung by accusations that his action was politically motivated, the Conservative councillor has added the Tory grandee to his list of those he wants investigated.

In an open letter to Mr Younger-Ross and Liberal leader Nick Clegg, Cllr Bladon said that Mr Steen had 'also brought shame to his office, who at least had the good grace to announce he would stand down.'

Cllr Bladon has suggested that he might stand as an independent candidate against Mr Younger-Ross. He has insisted that his campaign to report MPs he believes to be guilty of 'malfeasance' is serious and urges anyone else to do likewise if they believe any MP has committed an offence.

Mr Steen's office declined to comment.

A police spokesman confirmed that they had received the letter, which has been forwarded to the Met.

'All investigations relating to MPs' expenses are being dealt with by the Metropolitan Police Service as it is their jurisdiction to cover the Palace of Westminster,' he said.

This latest twist coincides with the announcement by Totnes Conservative Association that it is starting a selection process for a new candidate which will be open to residents.

It has announced it will use an Open Primary selection process, giving anyone registered on the constituency electoral roll the chance to become the new MP.

Potential candidates haven't got much time – the deadline for nominations is Monday, June 8.

A similar process has been used elsewhere in the West country in recent years, including Sian Flynn in North Cornwall and Derek Thomas in St Ives.

A shortlist of candidates will be selected by the association to take part in the final Open Primary selection meeting.

Chairman Heather Burwin said they had decided on this selection process to involve as many people as possible and to focus on 'key issues affecting the constituency'.

'Recent events have brought the constituency much unwanted adverse publicity, but David Cameron has led the call for a real change in the way politics are conducted, and this is just a first step,' Mrs Burwin said.

Anyone wishing to be considered should contact Totnes Conservative Association by Monday either by writing to South Devon Conservatives, Station Road, Totnes, TQ9 5HW, telephoning 01803 866069, or emailing [email protected]">[email protected].