MP's Expenses Report: Paul Clark among those criticised

10.40.00pm GMT Thu 4th Feb 2010

Gillingham and Rainham MP Paul Clark has been ordered to repay more than £11,000 he has claimed in second home allowances after what he called "an oversight."

Commenting on the letter he received from Sir Thomas Legg requesting more information on the MP's mortgage interest claims, Paul Clark admitted that he had "failed to read it carefully".

Andy Stamp, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Gillingham & Rainham commented: "I am shocked that our local MP did not bother to take the time to read the letter more closely. However, Paul Clark is one of hundreds of MPs who has been asked to repay expenses. The guilty MPs represent all political parties and some of the worst offenders are actually Conservatives.

"This is a bad day for politics. Our political system must be reformed from top to bottom. There must be no more flipping of homes, no more dodgy expenses claims, and a completely new, fairer voting system.

"The public will be the judge of whether Paul Clark has acted improperly or not."