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Tory MP with a portfolio of 23 properties claims £100,000
Nicholas Cecil, Chief Political Correspondent06.04.09
A CONSERVATIVE MP has claimed nearly £100,000 of taxpayer's money for a second home while building up a portfolio of at least 23 properties.
James Clappison, Tory MP for Hertsmere in Hertfordshire, is one of several MPs who have registered interests in a string of houses or flats. He declares 22 rented houses in Patrington, East Yorkshire, and in Withernsea, North Humberside, in the Commons Register of Members' Interests.
Mr Clappison has claimed £97,892 over seven years in public funds to run a second home, and is likely to have a further house or flat in his constituency or London. Five of the properties are registered in joint names with his wife. He has not broken any Commons rules.
Ian Gibson, Labour MP for Norwich North, said: "He seems to have almost a village to himself. Some people appear to have so much money that they don't need a foot up from the taxpayer for a second home."
Mr Clappison has built up his property portfolio over the years, having declared five rented houses in Patrington in 1998.
More than 130 MPs are believed to rent out at least one property, with some letting far more. Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesman Chris Huhne declares rental income from two flats in London, as well as a house and a flat in Oxford. His bill to the taxpayer for a second home is lower than many MPs at £18,638 over three years.
