MP Wilshire faces calls to meet constituents

Jun 24 2009 By Adam Courtney

David Wilshire MP

FURIOUS voters are demanding Spelthorne MP David Wilshire explains himself in public after his expenses claims for the past four years were published online on Thursday.

Commons authorities published the details after a long-running Freedom of Information battle, but the information leaves Mr Wilshire’s claims shrouded in contradiction.

In May 2004, the Tory MP put in a £1,051.75 claim for bedroom furniture for his London flat, but last month, when the MPs expenses scandal broke, he told the Herald & News: “In 22 years of living in London I have always furnished the flat out of my own pocket.”

But yesterday (Tuesday) he said: “You will recall I told you that when you saw the full details of my claims on the internet you would see a claim made well after I had moved in for replacing a built-in cupboard.

“Parliamentary officials had confirmed that this was a legitimate repair and that replacing it was cheaper then trying to mend it. I then told you that I obtained the cheapest self-assembly replacement available from MFI.”

There was further confusion surrounding the date Mr Wilshire actually moved into the flat. Having previously said he bought it in 1987, the year he became an MP, yesterday, in his emailed response to our questions, he said he purchased it in 1983. The uncertainty has left residents demanding an explanation.

Ken Hartley, 83, a lifelong Conservative voter, said: “It’s vital he holds a public meeting now because I, and a lot of people, feel sheer anger. I have been told he will only meet paying members of the Conservative Party, but it’s not good enough. People need to know the truth.”

MP seem unequivocal - page 2