MPs' expenses: receipts v rhetoric
Updated on 14 May 2009
Politicians are often keen to point the finger when it comes to the emotive issue of wasting taxpayers’ money, so Channel 4 News online looks at what some of the MPs caught up in the expenses scandal have said in the past.
Hazel Blears
What she has said:
On state hand-outs: "In a recession, there's no space for freeloaders." Daily Mail, 7 Jan 2009
On greed and politics: "Our popular culture has become debased by icons of selfishness and greed… The actions of government itself cannot be removed from this argument. People need to see government and politics as embodying both the principle of decency and taking practical steps to promote it." The Politics of Decency, Hazel Blears pamphlet
What she claimed:
The communities secretary claimed for three different properties in a year, and did not pay capital gains tax on a property she sold despite having told the Commons authorities it was her second home. She is now paying the tax but has denied any wrongdoing.
Oliver Letwin
What he has said:
On values: “I want us, as a society, to be firmer about what we expect of ourselves - and of our fellow citizens. It's not enough just to pay your taxes and obey the law. Our whole society rests on values that we all have the responsibility to uphold.” Sunday Express, 13 May 2007
On value for money: “The chancellor's failure to give Britain's taxpayers value for money will be the terrible legacy of this government.” Full response to the pre-budget report, 2 Dec 2004
What he claimed:
Mr Letwin, who is in charge of drawing up the Conservative general election manifesto, claimed more than £2,000 to replace a leaking pipe under his tennis court. He has agreed to repay this money.
Nick Clegg
What he has said:
On a greedy banking culture: "If we are going to reverse the greedy banking culture that went on for too long, we need to start at the top.
“This means an end to all bonuses for boards of directors in British banks that do so much to fuel short-term speculation. Giving them salaries, if necessary very generous ones, will create fewer risks in the future.” 30 Sep 2008
What he claimed:
The current Lib Dem leader reportedly had his second home allowance docked last year after exceeding the £23,083 maximum by more than £100.
David Cameron
What he has said:
On wasteful spending: "From the £90,000 wasted on pot plants in the Department of Transport, to the twelve billion wasted on the NHS computer, they [government] don't think twice about splashing your cash."
He wanted to replace: "Labour's spendaholic government with a new government of thrift.” Conservative party conference, Telegraph report, 25 Apr 2009
What he claimed:
The Tory leader put a total of £141,820 on his second home allowance over five years.
Phil Woolas
What he has said:
On a jobless Afghan family being housed at taxpayers' expense in a £1.2m home: "[Councils] shouldn't do that kind of thing. I just think it's wrong, even if it is rare.” The Times, 18 Oct 2008
What he claimed:
The immigration minister claimed £84,990 in the second-home allowance between 2004 and 2008, but threatened legal action over suggestions he used it to buy women's clothes, tampons and nappies.
Nick Herbert
What he has said:
On the use of public money: "I cannot believe that public money is being spent on offering Indian head massages to police or police staff.
"At a time when the authority is telling us how strapped for cash they are, you have to question whether this is a responsible use of public money." Telegraph, 31 Dec 2008
What he claimed:
The shadow environment secretary claimed more than £10,000 for stamp duty and fees when he and his partner purchased a terrace house in his West Sussex constituency.
Keith Vaz
What he has said:
On wasteful spending: "We have probably wasted a huge amount of money [on a computerised police portal]".
"I hope that the minister will tell us what is happening, because it is important that we spend our money wisely, especially in the current economic climate." Hansard, 4 Feb 2009
What he claimed:
The Leicester MP claimed £75,000 for a central London flat, although his family home was just 12 miles away. He also "flipped" his second home from the Westminster flat to a property in his Leicestershire constituency, and back again, between 2007 and 2008.
