MP apologises for £5 donation claim

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The Sunday Telegraph said the claim followed a memorial service in his Stockton-on-Tees constituency.

The House of Commons Fees Office had rejected the claim.

Mr Cook said he had "no recollection" of asking to be reimbursed, but accepted that the newspaper would not have invented the claim.

"I don't know how it happened. I have no recollection of it," he told Sky News. "In 26 years in Westminster, you will find no other claim from me on any kind of offertory donation or wreath for a funeral or memorial service.

"I don't know how it happened, it is wrong that it happened, I can't explain it and I am sorry that it has happened. I can't give any better explanation because I don't have one."

He went on: "I am not going to turn around and blame some member of staff. I am responsible. That's it. I can't explain it. I'm sorry. I'm pleased that it wasn't (paid) because nor should it have been."

Meanwhile, it was also reported the former Lib Dem leader Charles Kennedy claimed taxpayer-funded expenses for teddy bears and mints from the House of Commons shop.

He said the claim had been submitted in error and the money - £14.90 - repaid earlier this month.

"I receive regular requests for (non party political) fund-raising and other charitable causes. These I meet from my own pocket and am happy to do so. When this error was picked up, upon receipt of these invoices, both were repaid by me on May 11 this year."