SOUTH Dorset MP and government minister Jim Knight has claimed for a toaster, Freeview box and an iron, he revealed yesterday.

The schools minister published his second home expenses in a bid to reassure constituents.

He said he was doing so ahead of the House of Commons publishing receipts after talking to voters in Dorset.

Mr Knight said: “Constituents have been concerned about what expenses I claim for and why.

“I completely understand those concerns, which is why I am publishing this break-down.”

The senior MP lives in Weymouth and his second home is a one-bedroom flat in London, which he bought two-and-a-half years ago.

According to his figures, in 2007/08 Mr Knight claimed £12,541 for mortgage interest, £3,395 for food and £484 for utilities.

He also claimed £1,129 for council tax, £385 on phone costs, £660 on cleaning, £2,290 for maintenance and £479 for furnishings.

Mr Knight wrote on his website: “I want to be accountable.”

He is calling for “radical reform” of the system, cutting costs to taxpayers and restoring public trust.

He said: “We set out our own rules and in the end that’s the problem – it needs to be done independently.

“As an MP for the last eight years I must apologise for not sufficiently challenging the inadequate rules governing expenses.”

Other items listed include tableware, lighting, bedding and a food processor.

He insisted all were “reasonable to enable me to be in Westminster to do my job for constituents”.

See published expenses for all local MPs, compare what they claimed and have your say in our new Expenses section. Just click here or go to bournemouthecho.co.uk/expenses.