LEOMINSTER MP Bill Wiggin secured the vital support of his constituency asssociation this morning (Mon) over the £11,000 "error" that pitched him into the parliamentary expenses scandal.

Christopher George, chairman of North Herefordshire Conservative Association, said that Mr Wiggin had the "full support" of the Association's management in the wake of last Wednesday's public meeting called for the MP to explain his expenses.

Mr Wiggin said a form-filling mistake saw him claim more than £11,000 in mortgage related expenses against the Herefordshire home he bought outright when the money was meant for his address in London. He made no money out of the error.

At the meeting Mr Wiggin rejected calls for him to stand down and fight for re-selection.

The MP now plans a series of special surgeries to further explain his expenses to constituents who either could make or couldn't get into last Wednesday's meeting.

The first of these surgeries is set for 10am this Saturday (June 6) with appointments made through the Association's offices at 8 Corn Square, Leominster, phone 01568 612565 or e-mail office@nhca.org.uk