News

The Telegraph has today (1 June) reported that former Conservative leader and Folkestone and Hythe MP, Michael Howard, claimed more than £17,000 for "gardening services" at his second home in Kent over four years.

Mr Howard said the report was not true and the claim was for a variety of maintenance costs, including work done to his home.

He insisted the claim was within the rules.

Gwyn Prosser, Labour MP for Dover and Deal has also defended taxpayer-funded claims reported in the Telegraph over money paid to his brother to carry out work on his London flat, despite the fact that he lived almost 200 miles away.

Mr Prosser said on BBC Radio Kent that the taxpayer got good value for money and his brother, who is a builder,  charged £200 less than best estimate he got in London.