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Mr Challen has reportedly been asked to repay one of the highest totals yet to be made public in the latest chapter of the expenses scandal.

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And as the backlash grew against former civil servant Sir Thomas Legg's review, Mr Challen criticised the auditor's methods in comments to a national newspaper.

He said: "I dispute that I did anything wrong.

"If Parliament can sweep away with the principle of justice for MPs, then the people should watch out – this Parliament could do away with the principles of justice in other areas too."

The YEP has been unable to contact Mr Challen for the last two days despite repeated calls to his Westminster and constituency offices.

Earlier this year, the Daily Telegraph revealed how Mr Challen, who is standing down at the next election, sold his London flat to his senior researcher but then rented it out for a nightly fee.

He sold the flat to Tina Davey in 2006 for a market price and then paid Ms Davy "accommodation at £60 per night" for up to 14 nights a month.

For October and November 2007, the price rose to £70 a night. After November 2007 he claimed for stays in hotels, which cost £160 a night.

Mr Challen has said that the Commons Fees Office approved the claim.