Former Derry DUP MLA William Hay denies expenses allegations

Former Derry DUP MLA, William Hay, has said he has nothing to fear from an investigation into his expenses.

Mr Hay (pictured above) has insisted his decision to vacant his seat and resign as Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly was made on health grounds only.

The former speaker's departure from both positions coincided with allegations made in a BBC Spotlight programme about his expenses and an oil bill.

Before resigning towards the end of last year, Mr Hay had suspended a member of hisWaterside constituency office staff after the discovery of an irregularity in his allowances.

Speaking to BBC Radio Foyle, Mr Hay said he contacted the police to report the discovery of possible fraud in his Foyle constituency office.

He said: "There's an ongoing police investigation but I made the first move here and I have no regrets on that whatsoever, absolutely none."

He added: "I stepped down because of health reasons and only health reasons."

As Baron of Ballyore, Mr Hay took up his seat in the British House of Lords on Tuesday last.