MPs repay expenses

The MP for Newark, Mr Patrick Mercer, has repaid £1,099 he was overpaid in expenses claims.

Sir Thomas Legg’s report, published by the Members Estimate Committee yesterday, said Mr Mercer was paid £2,273 twice for mortgage interest in August and September 2004. He was also overpaid by £1,099 for mortgage interest in 2008-09. He had already repaid £2,273.

Mr Mercer said: “It is deeply irritating that there has been an accounting oversight on this but there has and so I shall repay it. The cheque is in the post.”

The MP for Rushcliffe, Mr Ken Clarke, was paid £7,345 for cleaning, which exceeded the maximum by £1,345. He has repaid the full amount.

The MP for Sleaford and North Hykeham, Mr Douglas Hogg, was overpaid by £20,639 during the five-year period. That included claims for several items that were not allowed. He repaid the full amount.

The investigation found the MP for Sherwood, Mr Paddy Tipping, had no issues.