BOLTON West MP Ruth Kelly has apologised after breaking the rules on using taxpayers' cash for party political material.

The Transport Secretary spent some of her MP's communications allowance on a newsletter which reportedly referred to `Labour's commitment to investing in the NHS.'

MPs voted for the £10,000-a-year allowance earlier this year and attached strict rules that it should be used for politically neutral material which promotes public understanding of the Houses of Parliament.

Ms Kelly said: "There was no intention to do anything other than comply with the rules. However, I accept that greater care should have been taken over the exact wording, for which I unreservedly apologise.

"I will contact the Serjeant at Arms at the earliest opportunity and abide by his decision."