Tory MP to be prosecuted

The rebel Tory MP Teresa Gorman and her husband are to be prosecuted after turning their 15th century home into a "pseudo-medieval" building without planning permission.

Councillors in Thurrock, Essex voted 8 to 1 last night to go ahead with court action over 33 alleged offences. They were told the Gormans had carried out renovations which destroyed important features of the Grade II listed Tudor farmhouse in Orsett, Essex.

The MP for Billericay and her husband will also be served with notices ordering them to restore it to as near original condition as possible.

If they refuse, the council will do the work and charge them for it.

Mrs Gorman is out of the country until the weekend but earlier accused the council of conducting a "trial by media" against her.