North East MPs defend their expenses claims

Jun 19 2009 by Adrian Pearson, The Journal

“I have always said we should be more transparent about what we are claiming, that is why my expenses are on my website. But we have to realise there will be cost involved when we send people to London as a representative.”

Sir Alan Beith, the Berwick MP who wants to clear up British politics as the new Commons Speaker has charged taxpayers thousands of pounds for cleaning his second home, and for laundry.

Last night Sir Alan said: “What I don’t do is carry laundry back and forward between London and Northumberland so I get laundry done.

He said he regarded the claims as “appropriate and necessary costs” of running a second home in London.

Blaydon MP Dave Anderson said no MP could overlook the level of public anger their expenses had provoked, adding: “I think it is quite clear that the system needs to change.” Among those who made repeated claims for furniture was Sharon Hodgson. The Gateshead East and Washington West MP has already shown her claims to reporters, and insists she has nothing to hide.

Ms Hodgson made repeated claims for taxis throughout the last three years, including individual bills for more than £70. Easington MP John Cummings, who claims the maximum £400 a month for food and has a £220 a month cleaner, said it was time for MPs to admit their mistakes. He said: “My claims are reasonable given that I provide a good service to my constituents through a fully staffed office in my constituency in Easington.

“In my view it is a time for contrition from MPs who have allowed this situation to develop. Labour will however have many new and younger candidates at the General Election who are not tainted by these allegations.”

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