North MPs promise to repay £10,000 expenses

Jun 20 2009 by Adrian Pearson, The Journal

NORTH East MPs caught out in the expenses sacndal have so far promised to pay back more than £10,000.

As public anger grows over the scale of claims made by MPs, many have tried to head off criticism by repaying cash.

Foreign Secretary David Miliband and other North MPs have repaid thousands of pounds in expenses – including for claims not yet published.

Last night Tyne Bridge MP David Clelland became the latest to go over his claims and see where he could make changes. The long-standing Labour MP said he would be repaying £300 claimed towards a £470 oriental rug.

He plans to take the rug out of his London flat, return it to his Tyneside home and then hand over a cheque.

Mr Clelland said: “I don’t think I have done anything wrong, and we are in a very awkward position where acting on this is seen as being as bad as not doing anything. The rug was not for £470, they eventually decided to look at the price list from John Lewis and decided they would only pay £300.

“They listed it as an oriental rug, which I don’t think it is. It’s just a carpet for a home I live in when I’m in London.”

Mr Clelland said he was wary of returning money because of the “obvious implications”.

His promise comes as the Commons authorities release a lengthy list of MPs who have voluntarily repaid money so far, although precise details are not listed.