VETERAN Liverpool West Derby MP Bob Wareing is no stranger to controversy in a long and colourful career in Westminster.

Today we reveal his latest fight, as he announces his decision to become the first MP in the country to defy a final order to repay Parliamentary expenses.

The sense of public disillusionment with our politicians generated by the expenses scandal is palpable, and the continued protests of MPs at the sheer injustice of it all have just rubbed salt in the wounds for many disenchanted voters and taxpayers.

Mr Wareing may not be too concerned about the views of the electorate, although he insists that he intends to defend his seat at the general election as an Independent, despite his de-selection by Labour.

And when you consider the specifics of some of the claims he is being asked to repay, it is quite possible to appreciate why he feels harshly treated.

However, when it gets to the point where he contests being asked to repay £1,296.30 which he was mistakenly paid twice, he puts himself in a position with which few taxpayers will find any sympathy.

Mr Wareing says he simply does not have the money to make the repayment, claiming that if he wrote out a cheque in settlement of the claim it would bounce.

Ultimately, he may well face having the outstanding £3,676.14 docked from his £64,700-a-year salary.

Mr Wareing talks of persuading other MPs to join him in a legal challenge to the expenses rulings. That is one campaign in which it is doubtful that this old crusader will be able to engender public support.