THE Labour Party has hit back over allegations of irregularities in the former council leader's election expenses.

Eric Guest, a member of the Community Action Party, which contested four seats in May's local elections, has compiled a complaint against West Park councillor Marie Rimmer, alleging that she spent more than the £1,000 she was allowed during her campaign.

The leader of the Community Action Party Peter Franzen dismissed claims that the allegations were down to mischief making. He insisted: "This is about having the law followed and not having democracy undermined. Contrary to Labour Party statements, the complaint was not made by expelled or disgruntled former members of the Labour Party.

"Eric was a Community Action Party candidate at the May 2006 local elections in St Helens

and has never been a member of the Labour Party."

In a strongly worded statement, a Labour Party spokesman hit back at the 'spurious and malicious allegations', saying they were made by a 'minor political party.'

It read: "These allegations are entirely made up by political mischief makers with the intent of trying to damage the reputation of Marie Rimmer and the Labour Party.

"The Labour Party respect the police have a duty to enquire into all allegations, we would ask that they bring these enquiries to a conclusion as soon as possible to bring this matter to an end." They insisted that the party's expenses are entirely correct and all election expenditure is listed in their returns.

At the elections Labour lost overall control of the council for the first time in 70-years, leading to a Lib Dem/Tory coalition.

A police spokesman said: "Merseyside Police received correspondence from the Community Action Party with regards to allegations of financial irregularities. The force is currently investigating these allegations to identify whether any offences have been committed."

Cllr Rimmer was unavailable for comment.