A BID by Colchester MP Sir Bob Russell’s to convince Prime Minister David Cameron to back an independent inquiry into credit card use at Essex County Council has been rebuffed.

During Prime Ministers Questions, the Lib Dem claimed the former administration at County Hall, led by Lord Hanningfield, carried out “hundreds of dodgy transactions using council credit cards spread over eight years, totalling around £500,000”.

Mr Cameron said he disagreed with Sir Bob, and said Essex voters should back the Conservative administration next week.