A FORMER Bromsgrove MP who stood down in the wake of the Parliamentary expenses scandal a decade ago has been appointed to the board of education watchdog Ofsted.

Julie Kirkbride was the town's MP for 13 years from 1997 but did not stand for re-election in 2010 after criticism of accommodation expenses claimed by her and husband Andrew Mackay, also then an MP.

The couple - who owned two homes (one in Bromsgrove and one in London) and each claimed for one as their second home - were ordered to repay more than £30,000 apiece following an investigation.

At the time, the Conservative MP said 'unbearable pressure' had led to her decision to step down for the good of her family. She was succeeded by current Bromsgrove MP Sajid Javid in 2010.

Her exit divided Bromsgrove residents and Advertiser readers, with many pointing to the good work she had done for the area, while others said she had to go.

Ms Kirkbride is among five new non-executive appointments to the Ofsted board who will each be paid £8,282 for around 20 days' work per year.

She has been appointed for a three-year period, having bested more than 400 applicants to obtain one of the five roles on offer.

Julius Weinberg, Chair of the Ofsted board, said of the newcomers: "Their expertise, experience and passion will be of great value to us.

"We already have a strong board at Ofsted; our new members will bring perspectives and knowledge that will help as we continue to support the executive team in the important role we perform."