LORD Hanningfield has stepped down as leader of Essex County Council.
He is one of four politicians who will face criminal charges over their expenses under the Theft Act, according too the director of public prosecutions Keir Starmer.
He is accused of false accounting over his claims for overnight accommodation while sitting in the House of Lords – despite living just 46 miles from the capital.
Lord Hanningfield said today, Friday, February 5: "To avoid any embarrassment or distraction for my party, I am standing down from my frontbench duties in the House of Lords with immediate effect.
"At the next meeting of the Conservative group on Tuesday February 9, the process to elect a new leader will start. I intend to remain active with the work of the council."
He has resigned his position as a front-bench Conservative business spokesman in the House of Lords and the Tory whip has been suspended, a party spokesman said.
Lord Hanningfield, who has also served as a Tory whip in the House of Lords, blamed the allegations against him on a "vindictive campaign" last year, insisting he could justify all of his claims.
Lord Hanningfield said he denied the charges and would "vigorously" defend himself against them.
"I am extremely disappointed by today’s announcement that I am to be charged. All the claims I have ever made were made in good faith," he insisted in a statement.
"I have co-operated fully with the police throughout their inquiries. I totally refute the charges and will vigorously defend myself against them.
"I have never claimed more in expenses than I have spent in the course of my duties."