JAILED peer Lord Hanningfield has had his Essex County Council allowances suspended.

Last month the former county council leader was jailed for nine months after being found guilty of falsely claiming £14,000 from the House of Lords.

But he is allowed to remain county councillor serving West Hanningfield, because he is appealing the verdict.

At a full meeting of Essex County Council today, councillors voted to suspend his £11,500 a year allowance following an emergency motion to change its constitution.

Lord Hanningfield is currently being investigated by Essex Police following alleged misuse of his corporate credit card during his time as leader of the council.

Allegations against the lord - real name Paul White - were first made prior to 2007 with subsequent internal audits revealing concerns and questions which are currently being investigated.