David Amess in new expenses scandal

12:35pm Friday 19th October 2012 in Local News

David Amess in new expenses scandal David Amess in new expenses scandal

DAVID Amess is in the midst of a new expenses scandal for claiming taxpayers money  for rent while receiving rental income on another property.

The Southend West Tory MP is one of 27 MPs who are claiming expenses of up to £20,000 a year each for rent for a second home in London as well as receiving rent from properties that were often purchased and refurbished with taxpayer assistance.

Mr Amess has a flat on the Isle of Dogs which he has let since August 2011.

He began claiming £1,570 a month soon after starting to let out the flat.

While the MPs have done nothing wrong under parliamentary rules, the disclosures will prompt questions about how taxpayers’ money is being used.

The MP has been criticised as being hypocritical and angering his own constituents by the three main political parties locally.

Leader of the Lib Dem group Graham Longley said; “Any public money being misused by whoever will no doubt make local people angry. It’s not the first time David appears to have been in difficulty but he doesn’t seem to be keen to clear it up. He should make it clear so people know what the situation is.”

Ian Gilbert, leader of the Labour group, said: “In the context of Government austerity drive which he is probably supporting it seems hypocritical with all the various cuts taking place and to do this at taxpayers expense seems an extravagance.
“You could argue that Southend is close enough to commute as many local people do.”

These thoughts were echoed by Martin Terry, Independent group leader, who said: “South Essex based MPs frankly should not be entitled to claim for a flat in London.

“This is disgraceful. People will take a very dim view of this. What motive is there, does he really want to serve people or to line his pockets?”

Mr Amess is yet to respond to the Echo.

Comments (20)

12:44pm Fri 19 Oct 12

Eric Whim says...

election time cannot come soo enough, maybe the residents of his so called safe seat might want to think about this execrable oleaginous MP's behaviour recently and consider ejecting him next time it comes to marking an X on a ballot paper
election time cannot come soo enough, maybe the residents of his so called safe seat might want to think about this execrable oleaginous MP's behaviour recently and consider ejecting him next time it comes to marking an X on a ballot paper Eric Whim

1:00pm Fri 19 Oct 12

Tom from Southend says...

This is ridiculous. How can he get away with it, why do we accept it. Get out now Amess, this is our hard earned tax money you are immorally claiming against, shame on you. Isle of Dogs to Westminster = 40mins.

Explain please Mr Amess.

Oh I forget, nothing changes, he will get away with it.
This is ridiculous. How can he get away with it, why do we accept it. Get out now Amess, this is our hard earned tax money you are immorally claiming against, shame on you. Isle of Dogs to Westminster = 40mins. Explain please Mr Amess. Oh I forget, nothing changes, he will get away with it. Tom from Southend

1:05pm Fri 19 Oct 12

j-w says...

"While the MPs have done nothing wrong under parliamentary rules, the disclosures will prompt questions about how taxpayers’ money is being used"


When they can make their own rules and guidelines then nothing will change. They still claim the same as before its just under a different name of form and is now approved. The expenses need seriously looking at.
[quote]"While the MPs have done nothing wrong under parliamentary rules, the disclosures will prompt questions about how taxpayers’ money is being used"[/quote] When they can make their own rules and guidelines then nothing will change. They still claim the same as before its just under a different name of form and is now approved. The expenses need seriously looking at. j-w

1:08pm Fri 19 Oct 12

jayman says...

he embarrasses himself at every opportunity when he speaks in parliament. He is not part of any major parliamentary committee. he barely tips up at Westminster. he doesn't respond to his constance that contact him.. What does this man do to warrant any expenses?

the man can barely represent himself let alone the plebs who vote him in so that he can enjoy nibbles and drinks at Westminster..
he embarrasses himself at every opportunity when he speaks in parliament. He is not part of any major parliamentary committee. he barely tips up at Westminster. he doesn't respond to his constance that contact him.. What does this man do to warrant any expenses? the man can barely represent himself let alone the plebs who vote him in so that he can enjoy nibbles and drinks at Westminster.. jayman

1:11pm Fri 19 Oct 12

jayman says...

jayman wrote:
he embarrasses himself at every opportunity when he speaks in parliament. He is not part of any major parliamentary committee. he barely tips up at Westminster. he doesn't respond to his constance that contact him.. What does this man do to warrant any expenses?

the man can barely represent himself let alone the plebs who vote him in so that he can enjoy nibbles and drinks at Westminster..
sorry constance should have been constituents..
[quote][p][bold]jayman[/bold] wrote: he embarrasses himself at every opportunity when he speaks in parliament. He is not part of any major parliamentary committee. he barely tips up at Westminster. he doesn't respond to his constance that contact him.. What does this man do to warrant any expenses? the man can barely represent himself let alone the plebs who vote him in so that he can enjoy nibbles and drinks at Westminster..[/p][/quote]sorry constance should have been constituents.. jayman

1:40pm Fri 19 Oct 12

turtlemanor says...

MPs, banks, insurance, petrol, local council just names westminster crooks club. how do you teach kids to be good when its rotten at the top.
MPs, banks, insurance, petrol, local council just names westminster crooks club. how do you teach kids to be good when its rotten at the top. turtlemanor

1:41pm Fri 19 Oct 12

j-w says...

I agree with you Jayman. A disgrace, also why does he even need to rent a London flat at our expense, the odd night he may get stuck in London surely a hotel would be better value for us taxpayers.
I agree with you Jayman. A disgrace, also why does he even need to rent a London flat at our expense, the odd night he may get stuck in London surely a hotel would be better value for us taxpayers. j-w

1:43pm Fri 19 Oct 12

j-w says...

He began claiming £1,570 a month I presume this is the monthly maximum he can claim too.
[QUOTE]He began claiming £1,570 a month[/QUOTE] I presume this is the monthly maximum he can claim too. j-w

1:46pm Fri 19 Oct 12

Leighdweller says...

jayman wrote:
he embarrasses himself at every opportunity when he speaks in parliament. He is not part of any major parliamentary committee. he barely tips up at Westminster. he doesn't respond to his constance that contact him.. What does this man do to warrant any expenses? the man can barely represent himself let alone the plebs who vote him in so that he can enjoy nibbles and drinks at Westminster..
I don't know how on earth you can claim he doesn't warrant the expense.

In the Summer, he came to our Jubilee street party and gave a lovely little speech and a certificate to the organisers. Also, he had a rather fetching blue and white megaphone. I suspect that this probably cost him a few bob and I for one don't begrudge him some new batteries for that.

Oh, and don't forget those greulling trips to the Maldives he's had to endure!
[quote][p][bold]jayman[/bold] wrote: he embarrasses himself at every opportunity when he speaks in parliament. He is not part of any major parliamentary committee. he barely tips up at Westminster. he doesn't respond to his constance that contact him.. What does this man do to warrant any expenses? the man can barely represent himself let alone the plebs who vote him in so that he can enjoy nibbles and drinks at Westminster..[/p][/quote]I don't know how on earth you can claim he doesn't warrant the expense. In the Summer, he came to our Jubilee street party and gave a lovely little speech and a certificate to the organisers. Also, he had a rather fetching blue and white megaphone. I suspect that this probably cost him a few bob and I for one don't begrudge him some new batteries for that. Oh, and don't forget those greulling trips to the Maldives he's had to endure! Leighdweller

2:05pm Fri 19 Oct 12

r6keith says...

After the last expenses fiasco I thought he would not get to stand again in the last election.What I did not realise is that the local candidate is choosen at Tory HQ and the locals have no say in that choice. The next time there is an election if the same situation exists then maybe a local who has the support of the local Torys should stand but as an independant Tory and all the locals could vote out this waste of space.
After the last expenses fiasco I thought he would not get to stand again in the last election.What I did not realise is that the local candidate is choosen at Tory HQ and the locals have no say in that choice. The next time there is an election if the same situation exists then maybe a local who has the support of the local Torys should stand but as an independant Tory and all the locals could vote out this waste of space. r6keith

3:35pm Fri 19 Oct 12

marshman says...

Pigs caught with snouts in trough.

So what's new?
Pigs caught with snouts in trough. So what's new? marshman

4:09pm Fri 19 Oct 12

firedog says...

If he gets thrown out at the next election,he will probably qualify for a big fat pension,these people know how to look after themselves.
If he gets thrown out at the next election,he will probably qualify for a big fat pension,these people know how to look after themselves. firedog

9:35pm Fri 19 Oct 12

Brunning999 says...

A total disgrace of the first order.

How can any MP hold their head up after these expenses fiasco.

This week two friends of mine both surveyors lost their jobs, they have been hanging on for 4 years hoping that the economy will turn, they take less pay home now than they did 10 years ago they work longer hours now than they have ever done, they even thought they were through the worst and things were getting better.
Things are just getting worse and seeing these bloody greedy politicians take take take makes me sick.
A total disgrace of the first order. How can any MP hold their head up after these expenses fiasco. This week two friends of mine both surveyors lost their jobs, they have been hanging on for 4 years hoping that the economy will turn, they take less pay home now than they did 10 years ago they work longer hours now than they have ever done, they even thought they were through the worst and things were getting better. Things are just getting worse and seeing these bloody greedy politicians take take take makes me sick. Brunning999

12:47am Sat 20 Oct 12

emcee says...

Quote: "Mr Amess is yet to respond to the Echo."
-
He won't, he's a coward.
I have but four words:
"Bye bye, Mr Amess".
Quote: "Mr Amess is yet to respond to the Echo." - He won't, he's a coward. I have but four words: "Bye bye, Mr Amess". emcee

6:58pm Sat 20 Oct 12

jolllyboy says...

Just vote him out .
Just vote him out . jolllyboy

11:12pm Sat 20 Oct 12

Lastlaugh.. says...

Who is ultimately responsible for this man being where he is to do what he does?
Who is ultimately responsible for this man being where he is to do what he does? Lastlaugh..

4:24pm Sun 21 Oct 12

Audioman says...

The best MP we have had.very upright and honest too.
The best MP we have had.very upright and honest too. Audioman

6:50pm Sun 21 Oct 12

steve@eastwood says...

Please Please Please let a UKIP candidate stand at the next election. I have never considered a protest vote before but I will never vote for Amess again.
Please Please Please let a UKIP candidate stand at the next election. I have never considered a protest vote before but I will never vote for Amess again. steve@eastwood

7:13pm Sun 21 Oct 12

steve@eastwood says...

Have a butchers at this..............
http://www.mirror.co
.uk/news/uk-news/tor
y-mp-david-amess-cla
ims-1390775

The man is committing moral fraud, but as usual he is not breaking the rules.
SCUM
Have a butchers at this.............. http://www.mirror.co .uk/news/uk-news/tor y-mp-david-amess-cla ims-1390775 The man is committing moral fraud, but as usual he is not breaking the rules. SCUM steve@eastwood

11:13am Wed 24 Oct 12

J-Monroe says...

Petition to review MPs expenses: sign here for change! Need 100,000 signatures, sign and Share:
http://epetitions.di
rect.gov.uk/petition
s/40723
Petition to review MPs expenses: sign here for change! Need 100,000 signatures, sign and Share: http://epetitions.di rect.gov.uk/petition s/40723 J-Monroe

Comments are closed on this article.

click2find

About cookies

We want you to enjoy your visit to our website. That's why we use cookies to enhance your experience. By staying on our website you agree to our use of cookies. Find out more about the cookies we use.

I agree