MEMBERS of the Epping Forest Conservative Association are to debate a motion of confidence in MP Eleanor Laing.

The news emerged today as the under-fire MP denied claims she was retiring at the next election, amid suggestions that she has still not paid back £25,000 in expenses - after promising to do so four months ago.

Ms Laing told the Guardian she "welcomed" the meeting, as it would give her an opportunity to "set the record straight."

The confidence vote will be held on Monday October 26, and was called following a 50-strong petition organised by a high-profile Epping member.

Ms Laing had agreed to repay £25,000 back in June after it emerged that she had avoided a £180,000 capital gains tax bill by telling the tax office her secondary home in London was her primary residence.

She sold her Westminster flats in 2008 for £1.8m - after purchasing them in 1993 for around £300,000.

Ms Laing told the Guardian: “I welcome the opportunity that a General Meeting will provide for me to meet directly a large number of our Conservative members here in the Epping Forest constituency.

“I have been touched by the very many messages of support I have received in recent weeks and I hope that that support will be reflected in the outcome of the meeting. I am also pleased that I will have the chance to set the record straight."

Ms Laing added that a "majority" of the association's general executive supported her in a confidence vote held with a secret ballot earlier this month.