Justice minister Shahid Malik stepped down today amid the furore over MPs’ expenses.

This morning, The Daily Telegraph claimed that Malik paid discounted rent at his main home in Dewsbury – which he pays for himself – of less than £100 per week, while at the same time claiming the maximum amount allowable for a second home in London, equivalent to £66,827 over three years.

Malik has relinquished his ministerial post while Sir Philip Mawer, the parliamentary commissioner for standards, investigates whether Malik broke the ministerial code. The code states that members of the government must not use their position to gain any financial advantage.

Malik said he went ‘one million per cent by the book’ when he designated the house he rents in Dewsbury as his main home.

As parliamentary undersecretary of state at the Ministry of Justice, Malik provides support to the criminal justice group and national offender management service. His remit also covers the implementation of the Bradley review, implementation of the Casey review, community involvement in justice issues, ID cards, race and confidence, and Ministry of Justice staff diversity.

There is no suggestion that Malik broke parliamentary rules on expenses.