PRIME Minister David Cameron this afternoon defended his decision to back Basingstoke MP Maria Miller.

The leader of the Conservative party told MPs during Prime Minister’s Questions that he was right to stand behind the Basingstoke MP, who resigned from her position as Culture Secretary this morning.

Speaking in the House of Commons, he defended Mrs Miller when Labour leader, Ed Miliband, said that the events of the past week had caused deep anger and concern amongst the public.

Mr Cameron said: “She was cleared of the allegation and I thought it was right to in these circumstances to allow her to make an apology and continue with her job. There is clearly more that needs to be done to deal with the problem of expenses.

“We have made big steps forward and any expense complaint is dealt with by an independent body and not by MP’s.”

He added: “I don’t think it is leadership to fire someone at the first sign of trouble. That’s actually not leadership, that’s weakness.”