Billericay MP Teresa Gorman has refused to stand down in the wake of a scathing report into her business dealings.

The 68-year-old Tory today (Friday) dismissed the Commons standards and privileges committee as a "tool of the Labour party spin doctor industry".

She added: "I dismiss the finding of this committee and I despise it."

Mrs Gorman said her main concern was that her voters in Billericay and Pitsea would feel she had let them down.

The committee recommended the maverick MP be suspended from parliament for a month - the longest ban it has suggested since the 1997 General Election.

It would mean her constituents would face four weeks without a representative in parliament.

The 11-strong committee and standards commissioner, Elizabeth Filkin, found Mrs Gorman failed to register properties in London and Portugal.

It also ruled she had given "seriously misleading" information about her connections with offshore companies, had intended to "deceive" and had "improperly contacted witnesses" during the committee's inquiries.

Mrs Gorman is also criticised for introducing a Ten Minute Rule Bill in 1990 on rents - while failing to register or declare her London properties and financial interest.

Malcom Buckley, chairman of Billericay Conservative Association, said he was disappointed Mrs Gorman had been suspended and added he would support her appeal.

Mrs Gorman, who has "absolutely no intention of resigning," said: "All of these barmy accusations are just ridiculous.

"These people can say what they like, are protected by the law and it is impossible to appeal."

Mrs Gorman also rejected the allegation that she "improperly" contacted a witness in the case.

She said: "I phoned her and said 'what are you doing this for.' We had an amicable conversation - there was no interfering with witnesses."

Elizabeth Filkin, commissioner for standards and privileges, said: "As you will see from my report, what I am concerned with are the facts.

"As a member of parliament she has responsibilities.

"I have carried out a most meticulous and painstaking investigation giving her a huge number of opportunities to set the record straight."

Committee member Malcom Bruce, Liberal Democrat MP for Gordon, said: "The truth is she could have made life a lot easier for herself and I don't think she has grasped that.

"Instead of putting her hands up she compounded it by being evasive and difficult."

A Labour Party spokesman said the arrogance and contempt with which Mrs Gorman had responded to the committee's verdict meant Tory leader MP William Hague had to act.

He added: "He would like us to believe that Tory sleaze is a thing of the past but if he fails to discipline Mrs Gorman he will demonstrate he is a weak leader who has learnt nothing from the Jeffrey Archer affair."

The Conservative Party said it would not comment until after MPs had considered the report.

Mrs Gorman now has to wait to plead her case to the Commons - it is her only remaining right of appeal.

MPs will hear her views before voting on whether to accept the committee's recommendations.

A date has yet to be set.

Livid- Teresa Gorman faces the press after the publication of a standards and privelages report against her

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