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”.
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