MP paid expenses into his own firm

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David Wilshire claimed 'office assistance' expenses for three years' worth of MP office space at his own firm Moorlands Research Services, according to the Daily Telegraph.

The MP for Spelthorne, Surrey, said that he had asked parliamentary standards commissioner John Lyon to investigate his expenses in a bid to clear his name.

Commons rules forbid MPs from entering into arrangements that "may give rise to an accusation" of profiting from public funds.

But Mr Wilshire insisted the House authorities had "formally approved" the arrangement, which was in "strict accordance" with the rules.

The newspaper said that between 2005 and 2008, Mr Wilshire paid up to £3,250 a month to the business.

Extra invoices were also submitted and the total paid to the firm - owned by him and his partner Ann Palmer - was £105,500.

Mr Wilshire said the firm had closed down last year, but before that it had been included in his entry for the Register of Members' Interests.

"The arrangement was formally approved by the fees office and, as required by the rules, a formal written agreement was drawn up and lodged with them," he insisted. "The payments were made strictly in accordance with the rules, and payments were made directly to the business's bank account (which was in its own name and controlled by it)."

Mr Wilshire's claims were made through office allowances and so have not been examined as part of Sir Thomas Legg's review. The MP said he had emailed Mr Lyon and expected to speak to him about launching a probe on Thursday.