Labour MP tried to claim bedding and shower cream on expenses

Telegraph

11 hours ago

A Labour MP tried to claim luxury bedding and shower cream on expenses, it has emerged.
Sean Woodcock, the MP for Banbury, attempted to bill taxpayers more than £200 for duvets, pillows, bedsheets and other household items from Marks & Spencer last year.
The Daily Mail reported that he bought four 'luxury Egyptian cotton' towels along with a tube of magnolia shower cream, which he claimed on parliamentary expenses.
The expenses watchdog, the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) rejected the two receipts, worth £100.50 and £116, as 'not claimable'.
Rules introduced after the MPs' expenses scandal more than a decade ago banned parliamentarians from claiming home decorations or furnishings.
'Mistakenly avised' over accommodation expenses
Mr Woodcock told the Daily Mail: 'As a newly elected MP I was mistakenly advised by a colleague about what type of accommodation costs could be claimed for. I accepted IPSA's decision immediately and paid for these items myself in full.'
He had submitted two receipts last October, one for £100.50 and the other for £116, seemingly for furnishing his second home. The items included duvets, two pillows and a set of brushed cotton bedsheets.
The Daily Mail also revealed that Lee Dillon, a Liberal Democrat MP, tried without success to bill taxpayers for a 'festive team meal' for Christmas last year.
The MP for Newbury submitted a receipt for £204.95 from one of the Parliament restaurants, having bought dishes including steaks and scallops.
A spokesman for the MP said: 'Lee accepted IPSA's decision in this case. He did not resubmit the claim and paid for the meal himself. He plans to do the same in future years.'
'Mistake' claim for flowers
Another unsuccessful claim saw a new Labour MP's office attempt to bill taxpayers for £46 of flowers.
Staff working for Dr Simon Opher, the Labour MP for Stroud, submitted a receipt from Lily Pad Florist last October, but a spokesman said that Dr Opher was unaware of the claim.
A spokesman said: 'Simon didn't know about the initial claim, and the office did not question the subsequent rejection by IPSA because we realised the mistake. We obviously did not re-submit the claim.'
It comes after the Government became engulfed in a row last year over the acceptance of free hospitality and clothing.
Ministers are allowed to take handouts as long as they are properly declared, although they are urged to take public perception into account.
Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, came under fire for accepting tickets to a Sabrina Carpenter concert, which she declared in accordance with the rules.