Tim Swift's identity has been blacked out on some of the papers published by the House of Commons.

But it appears on others, depending on whether his work is classed as an "incidental expense" or paid through the Calder Valley Labour MP's staffing allowance over the last four years.

Nowhere does it show his political affiliation and that he receives £10,000 a year as a councillor and £6,000 more as Labour group leader.

The unusual move – which has surprised electors and some fellow politicians – is entirely within the rules.

Cabinet members Harriet Harman, Ed Miliband and Douglas Alexander between them spent £20,000 of public money on consultancy services.

Calder Valley MP Mrs McCafferty has defended the payments, which ended last year.

She said: "MPs need help to do their work and I chose Tim as my consultant, which I am perfectly entitled to do. He was my agent, for which he did not get paid, he has helped to prepare my annual report, write Press releases, laid out leaflets and carried out research.

"I could have employed someone else but I wanted the best person for the job."

Councillor Swift said it had been no secret he worked for the MP – but neither was it something they had chosen to advertise.

"Chris asked me to do the job rather than employ someone full time. Every MP needs help and that's what the allowances are for."