An Australian MP has threatened to sue after claims he has committed credit card fraud using union credit cards. The former union boss and Labour backbencher has been accused of using the cards to bankroll his own election campaign as well as paying for escorting services.

Craig Thompson the former national secretary of the Health Services Union says the allegations reported in Fairfax newspapers today are wrong. "The allegations made today are incorrect and false” he said. “An independent audit is underway”. “The Industrial Registrar is also making inquiries."

He continued to say "I have sought legal advice about possible action against the source of these claims,'' he said. I am confident that both the independent audit and the Industrial Registrar will find no basis for these allegations. Whilst these inquiries are ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment further.'' There have been calls for him to stand down but there seems to be no sign of him standing down just yet.