MP defends expenses claim (From Somerset County Gazette)

MP defends expenses claim

1:10pm Saturday 4th April 2009 in News By Matthew Colledge

MP defends expenses claim

WEST Somerset MP Ian Liddell-Grainger has insisted “you get what you pay for” after it was revealed he has claimed more in expenses than any other MP in the South-West.

Mr Liddell-Grainger claimed £166,109 in expenses for 2007/8, making him the 36th biggest claimer among the 645 MPs in Westminster.

The year before he claimed £134,421 and was only 387th on the list.

But Mr Liddell-Grainger insisted his latest expense claim reflects the amount of campaigning he has done for his constituents.

He said: “You get what pay for. The majority of the money has been spent on staff costs. I employ slightly more people than most but they are a really good team.

“I work really hard and I fight a lot of battles.

“I make apologies for it costing a lot of money but I don't make apologies for taking on those battles.”

Mr Liddell-Grainger said travel costs were another major expense.

He said: “I have a huge constituency and a huge area to travel.

“I don't spend money frivolously. I spend money on what I think is important.”

Several high-profile MPs including Home Secretary Jacqui Smith have made headlines over expenses claims for their second homes.

But Mr Liddell-Grainger said that with the exception of a new toilet and a replacement boiler, the only expenses he has claimed for the flat in Lambeth he lives in while in Westminster, were for mortgage repayments and utility bills.

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