MP Claire Curtis Thomas reveals her MP expenses to the Formby Times

May 27 2009 by John Siddle, Formby Times

LOCAL MP Claire Curtis-Thomas charged taxpayers for a kettle, a teapot and an umbrella, the Formby Times can reveal

She said: “My visitors expect a nice cup of tea and MPs need protection from the rain.”

The politician opened up her books to us, and all her receipts fell well within Parliamentary rules.

Other MPs have been criticised for elaborate claims in recent weeks, such as moat-cleaning and chandeliers.

Mrs Curtis-Thomas has designated their five-bedroom Victorian property close to the Waterloo marina in their constituency as her ‘second home’ and has claimed up to £2,450 a month in allowances, including a peak of £940 in mortgage interest..

In return she does not claim a penny for the rent she pays for London accommodation while attending the House of Commons.

She said: “When I stood as an MP I promised that I would buy and live in the constituency. That is what I have done.”