MP Eric Illsley who fiddled expenses bows to pressure and resigns his seat

Disgraced MP Eric Illsley fell on his sword today, saying he would quit the Commons after dishonestly claiming more than £14,000 in expenses.

The Member for Barnsley Central said he "deeply, deeply" regretted his actions and would be resigning before his sentencing for the offence next month.

In a statement, Mr Illsley said: "I would like to apologise to my constituents, family and friends, following my court appearance, for the distress and embarrassment caused by my actions that I deeply, deeply regret.

"I have begun to wind down my parliamentary office, following which I will resign from Parliament before my next court appearance. I will be making no further comment."

Earlier, party leaders were horrified when Speaker John Bercow blocked any moves to eject Mr Illsley, saying the case was not over until the sentence.

A Labour official said: "We want him out as soon as possible and if we are able to get the process in motion we will." A Cameron aide said: "It really should be for Labour to initiate proceedings but if there is any dithering we will take action. Illsley's position is completely untenable."

Sources said the Prime Minister was "surprised" while a spokesman for Labour leader Ed Miliband said he hoped to see Mr Illsley removed at the first opportunity.

They feared that Mr Illsley would continue receiving his full salary of £65,738 despite being the first sitting MP to be convicted of expenses fiddling. Yesterday he admitted fraudulently claiming more than £14,000 in parliamentary expenses for second-home costs.

He was re-elected as Labour MP for Barnsley Central in May, but was suspended from the party after being charged shortly afterwards and subsequently sat as an independent. If he is jailed for 12 months or more he will be disqualified from being an MP under the Representation of the People Act 1981.