Southend West MP 'runs away' from reporters

Conservative MP for Southend West David Amess was approached by Echo reporters yesterday.

Reporters wished to speak to Mr Amess regarding his expenses claims. Mr Amess has claimed £400 per month for food over the past four years, which is the maximum amount allowed in the current expenses system.

This adds up to £19,200 in total over the four year period.

When approached by reporters whilst out canvassing, Mr Amess refused to comment on his expense claims. He then ‘ran away’ from reporters and took refuge in a nearby hairdressing salon.

Mr Amess has refused to comment at length on his expense claims, saying that during his long stint as an MP he has only claimed money ‘in good faith’ and that all details of his expenditure will be publicly available in July, when all expenses must be published.

Mr Amess has further commented in a speech to Parliament on his regret that MPs did not make changes to the expenses system years ago when MPs’ working hours were changed to become more managable.

Mr Amess’ fellow Conservative MP, James Duddridge, has published the details of his expenses online for constituents to inspect. He has since come under fire for claiming expenses for two different properties in London.