Spelthorne MP's Nixon-style expenses defence

May 27 2009 By Adam Courtney

David Wilshire MP

SPELTHORNE MP David Wilshire insists he is “no crook” for claiming nearly half a million pounds in expenses.

The Conservative MP, who earns a salary of £64,000 a year, has defended his actions after figures published in the Sunday Times revealed he claimed £438,377 in the past three years. This makes him the sixth highest claiming MP in the UK.

In an interview with the Herald & News, he says he made no profit from his expenses claims and that it is upsetting to be seen as ‘a crook’ without being given a chance to explain.

He says much of the figure was for paying his two full-time staff – one of whom is his partner – and two part-time employees as well as office maintenance and communicating with residents.

He defends his use of a second home 500 yards from the House of Commons, which costs about £24,000 per year, insisting it is necessary because of his 60- to 70-hour working week.

Mr Wilshire, whose constituency home in Hanworth Park is owned by his partner, admitted he travels to Spelthorne from his own house in Somerset two or three times a month and claims money for the journey.

However, the figures enraged Liberal Democrat Parliamentary spokesman Mark Chapman. He said: “The public are rightly furious with MPs. It’s incumbent on MPs to use taxpayers money wisely, and they should not be using claims meant for essential expenses as extra income.

“It’s unquestionably time for a General Election, so local people can decide whether David Wilshire should continue as their MP.”

Shepperton resident Sophie Neivens, a mother-of-two, said: “I don’t think MPs should be claiming for half the things they have been.”

Nina West, of Thames Street, Lower Sunbury, said: “A normal person would not claim travel to get from home to work, and certainly not from Somerset. There are valid expenses, but some are untoward and I think this is absolutely disgusting.”

But businessman Keith Gardiner, of Govett Avenue, Shepperton, backed the MP, saying: “I think, by the sounds of it, he has acted within the rules. I think he’s a good MP and I would be sorry to lose him.”

'I'm no crook' - Spelthorne MP's interview with the Herald - see page 2