New lapse of security at Commons

An inquiry is under way today after an undercover reporter was employed at the Houses of Parliment with fake references.

The journalist spent six days as a switchboard operator in the communications office of the Palace of Westminster despite bogus referees and lies about his educational background.

He was given complete access to the Commons, claiming he was asked to show his pass only once and was never searched

The Mirror reporter rubbed shoulders with MPs as they voted on the anti-terror Bill and came face-toface with Home Secretary Charles Clarke - only months after intruders stormed the Commons during the anti-hunt vote.

A House of Commons Administrat ion Off ice spokesman said: "All applicants for passes are security cleared to the appropriate level."