'Nothing untoward in my expenses' - MP
SOUTH Holland and the Deepings MP John Hayes says there is "nothing untoward" in his expense claims after some details were published on the Daily Telegraph's website.
Mr Hayes says there are some inaccuracies in the Telegraph report, which says he claimed for overnight stays in the Carlton Club before buying a Westminster flat in 2004.
It also alleges he charged 305 for removals and storage and claims 1,900 a month in mortgage interest – a figure taken before the recent collapse in mortgage rates.
Mr Hayes says he will publish details of his expenses in next week’s Lincolnshire Free Press and is willing to talk with constituents about the matter.
He said: “I am more than happy to discuss any of this with my constituents.
“It is not damning – that’s why I am only in the alphabetical listing on the (Daily Telegraph) website.
“You won’t find any bath plugs, teddy bears or gardens – there is nothing untoward.”
He disputes some of the detail on the Telegraph’s website but did not wish to comment on specifics until he has the full details to publish.
Mr Hayes stayed at the Carlton Club, thought to be a cheaper option than a hotel, but moved into a flat because he was not able to accommodate his family there.
He will write about MPs expenses in this newspaper, produce a summary of his expenses and produce the link to the full details on the House of Commons website.
Mr Hayes, the shadow minister for innovation, universities and skills, favours an expenses system that is “completely fair and transparent with everything receipted” and says he has receipts to account for all of his claims.
The full list is expected to reveal he only claimed for things such as mortgage payments, utility bills for his second home and office and staffing costs in his constituency.
Last week it was reported that Bourne MP Quentin Davies had fallen under the spotlight for claiming more than 10,000 for repairs to the windows at his 18th-century mansion near Boston.
The full expense details of all MPs are expected to be published by the House of Commons this month.
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Weather for Spalding
Friday 25 May 2012
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Temperature: 12 C to 21 C
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