Sandwell MP Adrian Bailey today said he was preparing to sue a national newspaper after it wrongly accused him of claiming £160 for using a sunbed.

The Guardian had misread Mr Bailey’s handwriting on his expenses form, mistaking Sandwell Training Centre, which helps jobless people find work, for Solihull Tanning Centre.

The West Bromwich West MP, who says he is so fair skinned his doctor tells him to wear sunscreen at all times, had booked the training centre, in Pope’s Lane, Oldbury.

He said the cash was used to pay half of the hire cost for the centre, while the charity Sandwell Training Association, with whom he was working, paid the other half.

Mr Bailey said today: “This could potentially be very damaging. It is quite a prominent article and it is the sloppiest journalism I have ever seen. They have said something very serious about a Member of Parliament and there is no truth in it.

“I will be talking to my solicitors and I think The Guardian could have to pay out a lot of money for this.

“I almost fell off my chair when I saw it. It’s ridiculous anyway because I am so pale. My skin is so delicate I have to be very careful with it, and the doctors tell me I should wear sunscreen all the time.

“I keep a bottle of factor 50 in my car.”

Mr Bailey revealed his £14,500 expenses bill between 2004 and 2008 to the Express & Star in May, saying he was confident it was all within the rules.

His claims included £1,197 for a dining table and chairs, £740 for a wardrobe and £200 for bed linen. He also claimed £5.99 for a toothbrush, together with other groceries including kitchen foil, baking paper, shampoo and conditioner. The Guardian was unavailable for comment today.