AN MEP representing Oxfordshire at the European Union has said she will continue in office despite being expelled from her party.

Ex-UKIP member Janice Atkinson, who was also a General Election candidate in Kent, was thrown out of the party today following a disciplinary hearing over allegations of an inflated expenses claim.

But the MEP for the South East said in a statement: “I am deeply disappointed by today’s decision and fully intend to appeal.

“I was elected to represent the constituents of the south-east of England and I will continue to work tirelessly on their behalf and for the best interests of our country.”

Claims against Ms Atkinson emerged when her chief of staff, Christine Hewitt, was filmed by the Sun newspaper allegedly obtaining an invoice from a restaurant for a sum more than three times the actual cost of an event, apparently with the intention of claiming it back from Brussels funds..

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The footage is being reviewed by Kent and Essex police forces' serious crime directorate and Ms Hewitt has also been expelled from her party.

Earlier today a UKIP spokesman said: “Janice Atkinson MEP and Christine Hewitt have been found to have brought the party into disrepute.

"As a result they have been expelled from UK Independence Party. They have 14 days to appeal."