THE Parliamentary Standards Commissioner will investigate a complaint about communities minister Shahid Malik's use of MPs' allowances, the commissioner's office said today.

THE Parliamentary Standards Commissioner will investigate a complaint about communities minister Shahid Malik's use of MPs' allowances, the commissioner's office said today.

The minister stepped aside from the Government while Sir Philip Mawer, Gordon Brown's adviser on the ministerial code, examined his housing arrangements.

Sir Philip's report criticised the MP for being unable to produce receipts or a rental agreement to back his case.

But he concluded there had been no "preferential rent'', paving the way for Mr Malik's return as Communities Minister.

However, the Standards Commissioner stepped in after receiving a complaint from pressure group the Sunlight Centre for Open Politics.