Senior Conservative claims £20,000 to paint house

February 10, 2008

A senior Conservative MP claimed more than £20,000 in housing expenses last year, explaining that he had to paint his property and remove moss from the garden.
Michael Ancram, the multi-millionaire former party chairman and deputy leader, claimed £22,030 - only £80 less than the maximum available to him under the controversial “additional costs allowance” (ACA). The allowance helps MPs with constituencies outside London to support the cost of running a second home.
While most MPs spend their allowances on mortgages or rent, Mr Ancram admits not a penny of the £89,927 he has claimed since 2001 has gone on mortgage payments.
Instead, he admitted he spent the money running his country mansion, including repainting its walls and removing moss from its garden.
Although the MP for Devizes has not broken any rules, the revelation has led to fresh calls for greater control and openness over what MPs can claim for.
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