Julie Kirkbride MP to stand down over expenses
But the final blow appears to have been struck today, when the MP was criticised for part-funding a £50,000 extension at her constituency flat so her brother could stay and help with childcare.
Ms Kirkbride's resignation was announced within minutes of that of Ms Moran, who had been condemned for claiming £22,500 to treat dry rot at a home in Southampton, 100 miles from her constituency and Westminster.
"The understandable public anger over the issue of MPs' expenses has caused me great stress and has seriously worsened my existing health problem," Ms Moran said in a statement.
"It is with great sadness that I have today informed the general secretary of the Labour Party following discussion with my family that I intend to stand down as a MP for Luton South at the next general election."
In her resignation letter, Ms Kirkbride stated: "I truly understand people's anger about MPs' expenses, but I have been subject to a barrage of distorted press stories which I have sought to rebut.
"As you said yesterday, I gave a good account of myself. But the fact that I am still defending myself and my family two weeks after Andrew stepped down as your adviser has now become an unbearable pressure."
She went on: "This pressure on my loyal party workers and me has to end."
