The latest expenses details for MPs has been released and Clydebank MSP Martin Docherty has claimed more than £21,000 so far.
The claims involve costs the West Dunbartonshire SNP politician has claimed back from the taxpayers since the start of the taking up his post until the end of September.
He has been reimbursed £21,767, with the majority of the cash taken up by £15,138 for a year’s rent on accommodation in London, which he paid in advance to get a better deal.
Neighbouring MP Carol Monaghan (SNP), who represents Glasgow North
West, claimed £14,693 in the same period.
Gavin Newlands, SNP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North claimed £20,543 while East Dunbartonshire MP John Nicolson (SNP) claimed £499.
Mr Docherty told the Post: “Expenses are always a controversial issue, especially given that past MPs across the UK have been exposed as having abused the system for personal financial gain. This is public money and it is critical that MPs claim only what is appropriate and necessary. As a born and bred Bankie, I have neither a moat nor a duck pond and joking aside, the communities I serve can rest assured that my staff and I take our responsibility to them and their money very seriously.”
Ms Monaghan said: “My expenses are freely available for anyone to view. MPs from neighbouring constituencies may have different needs causing their expenses to be higher or lower. I am still in the process of setting up my office and as a result there will be one off expenses of mine that have yet to be processed; I expect these will show up in the next few months. My greatest expense most years will be the wages for the staff who run my constituency office when I am in Westminster. What cannot ever be acceptable is that someone uses that system for their personal financial gain. This is what we saw in the past.”
Find a break down of their expenses on www.parliamentary-standards.org.uk.
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