EPPING Forest MP Eleanor Laing has today paid back £25,000 in expenses to the taxpayer after a storm of criticism over her claims - but still maintains she has done nothing wrong.

Ms Laing made the announcement to the Guardian this afternoon as she faces a vote of confidence by local members of her own party later this month.

The MP, who is also shadow justice minister, originally pledged to pay the cash back four months ago, but said she had been waiting for the outcome of a review by Sir Thomas Legg.

Many MPs have been sent letters by Sir Legg demanding more information or that they pay back some claims, but Ms Laing has been told she need not do either.

Ms Laing said: "As I said at the time, I offered to pay back £25,000 because the most important thing is my integrity.

"I am very pleased that Sir Thomas Legg has clearly stated that I have done nothing wrong."

Ms Laing has been heavily criticised for avoiding in £180,000 capital gains tax by telling the tax office that 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 said she was aware of public anger, but was pleased at the "number of expressions of support" she had received from constituents.

She added: "I recognise the public anger about the whole issue and people are entitled to express their views."

Ms Laing has been formally adopted as the Conservative Party's candidate for the seat in the next election, but this position could be plunged into doubt if she loses the vote of confidence.

She said she "welcomes" the meeting as it will give her an opportunity to speak to party members and "set the record straight."

The vote will be held on Monday October 26 at Roding Valley High School in Loughton.