CREDIT card spending by Lord Hanningfield has been published by County Hall - revealing he spent nearly £300,000 in five years.

City of London Police announced on Tuesday they were dropping a criminal investigation into the former Essex County Council leader's expenses and credit card spending.

The move prompted council chiefs to publish full details of Lord Hanningfield's spending online.

Council leader Peter Martin said: "The conclusion of the police investigation now means we are in a position to publish further information relating to Lord Hanningfield’s corporate credit card. We are committed to being open and transparent and I am pleased that we are now able to make this information available for the public to view."