TORY MP James Duddridge is refusing to hold a public meeting to explain his parliamentary expenses, according to party sources.

Mr Duddridge, MP for Rochford and Southend East, used public money to help furnish a flat in London and then switched to fund another property in the capital.

He faced a behind closed doors meeting of Tory activists in his constituency, which one source described as “angry”. He has said he is holding a constituency surgery about expenses but will not be holding a public meeting like Tory leader David Cameron did.

The source claimed Mr Duddridge seemed unwilling to hold the meeting to talk about his expenses claims. He said: “There seemed to be great reluctance when this was suggested. But the way things are nationally he could be forced to do so.”

The source, who would not be named, went on: “I believe there are real problems in the Conservative party in the constituency at the moment and there are worries among some people the seat could be lost.

“It is not just James, but the whole system which people are angry about.”

Mr Duddridge has issued an open letter to constituents. In it he said: “I must stress I would struggle to perform duties as effectively as I do now without the allowances provided.”

He added they covered the essentials of running offices in Westminster and Southend and were there to allow him to carry out his responsibilities as an MP.

The statement added: “I am reviewing every line of expenditure at present to see what savings I can make and will reduce my expenditure overall next year.

“I acknowledge it is unacceptable to simply blame a flawed system and not take any personal or moral responsibility.”

Mr Duddridge is facing three known candidates at the next election – Labour’s Kevin Bonavia, Lib Dem Graham Longley and James Moyies, for the UK Independence Party.

Mr Duddridge refused to speak to the Echo yesterday but issued a statement about the expenses issue. It said: "I am always available to talk to constituents about any concerns they may have. In addition to the regular and out and about surgeries that I hold across Rochford and Southend East, I will also be holding an additional surgery specifically about this issue.”

Cameron: Face the music

TORY Party leader David Cameron has called on his MPs to face the public over the expenses scandal. Mr Cameron has taken part in his own public meeting in his constituency in Witney.

He spoke in a national newspaper in defence of Julie Kirkbride who stood down after a range of expense claims came to light including employing her sister as a part-time secretary even though she lived 125 miles from the MP’s constituency. She also increased her taxpayer-funded mortgage to build an extra bedroom for her brother to live in.

Mr Cameron said: “I think Julie deserves some credit for facing the cameras and attempting to answer all the questions.

“It’s important our MPs are prepared to face the difficult questions.

“There are ways to do that, including public meetings. My meeting wasn’t the most comfortable I’ve held, but I think my constituents appreciated I was prepared to listen and explain how I think things must change.

“I would encourage others to face the public.”

Baron won’t answer

BILLERICAY MP John Baron is refusing to discuss expense claims with the Echo as demands for transparency grow.

Mr Baron claimed almost the maximum second homes allowance, which now stands at £23,000, over the past seven years for a property in Noak Bridge. He maintains the bulk of it was for mortgage interest repayments and the remainder utility bills.

Mr Baron bought the three-bedroom house for £153,500 in 2000, before being elected, and has an interest-only tracker mortgage.

In 2007/08 he claimed the full £23,083 under the second home allowance, but his monthly mortgage interest claim was around £1,400.

That year average base rates were 5.75 per cent, meaning monthly interest on a loan of £153,500 at around one per cent above the base rate would be £863 a month.

The Echo left several phone messages with the Tory MP over the past week asking him to explain the mortgage interest payments.

Meanwhile it has emerged in 2004 Basildon MP Angela Smith claimed £1,100 to have a bath, shower and thermostatic taps installed as part of a refurb at her flat in Elephant and Castle, south London.

She claimed a total of £16,227 that year. Mrs Smith previously told the Echo about having carpets, tiles, and a wardrobe fitted, plus new kitchen appliances and a TV as part of the refurb.

Thurrock MP Andrew Mackinlay claimed £980 a month rent for his London flat and £44.99 for a set-top box to watch the Parliament Channel. He says renting the flat means he will not personally benefit from the taxpayer.

Anger of the elders

SOUTHEND Older People’s Assembly has added its voice to the outrage. Chairman of the pensioners group Simon Morton said he was disappointed to read of David Amess’ claims and his subsequent refusal to explain them, or speak to the Echo.

Mr Morton said: “Our MPs are making extortionate, inappropriate expense claims. This is completely unacceptable.

“Some of us are coping on around £120 a week. Could our MPs do the same?”

He added MPs standing down or paying money back does not appease the situation.

Mr Morton said: “It should not have been the case in the first place. They should face prosecution.

“If those working in the volunteer sector were to misappropriate funds, I could see public outcry and civil servants climbing all over them.”