On the day when MPs finally return to Westminster after the summer recess, an independent report said the former home secretary had broken the rules by claiming generous expenses on the home where her family lived in Redditch, Worcestershire.
By her own admission Ms Smith became the 'poster girl' of the expenses scandal after it was revealed she claimed £22,948 in allowances for her family home, which she said was her 'second home', in 2009-08 and £157,631 in total.
She was also severely damaged by the revelation her husband had mistakenly claimed expenses for two adult movies watched at their family home.
After a six month investigation, John Lyon, the parliamentary commissioner for standards, concluded Ms Smith was 'in breach of the rules of the House from 2004 to 2009 in identifying the London residence she shared with her sister as her main home'.
In an statement Ms Smith, who always insisted she stuck by the rules, said she was 'disappointed' at today's report, published by the Commons standards and privileges committee.
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