MP for Redditch, Rachel Maclean said last week’s vote was a mistake and the government should not have conflated the two issues of Owen Paterson and a standards system reform.

This comes amid criticism of the MP who voted in favour of a review into standards investigations.

She has assured constituents that she abides by the highest standards of public life.

Rachel Maclean said: “Last week’s vote was a mistake and I personally regret the situation we find ourselves in.

“The government should not have conflated the two issues of the vote on Owen Paterson’s suspension and on reforming the standards system. The government should have separated these two distinct matters more clearly.

“I do want to make it clear that the amendment I voted on was not about exonerating or letting Owen Paterson off what the Standards Commissioner concluded.

“I can absolutely assure my constituents that I am committed, beyond a shadow of doubt, in abiding by the highest standards in public life.

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“It is the greatest honour to serve my constituents and I have always served them by working in the public interest and with integrity, accountability, openness and honesty.”