TORY MP David Amess has been challenged by his Labour opponent at the next general election to a public debate on the issue of MPs’ expenses.

Mr Amess has declined to answer questions from the Echo on a number of occasions and even ran away from our reporter while he was canvassing in Westborough ward.

Tom Flynn, the Labour candidate for Mr Amess’s Southend West seat, said: “I have been approached by a number of residents in Southend West who want to see a public debate on the subject of MPs’ expenses and how we restore trust in parliamentary democracy.

“I believe that to do this we must be honest and open with people.”

Mr Flynn said he had recently signed a letter from Labour candidates across the country calling on his party to take action against MPs who had broken either the spirit or letter of the rules.

He added: “Surely at this time, our most important task is to restore public trust in politics. “That can only be done by facing local people and discussing the situation in an open and honest way.”

Mr Flynn said he would also like to see candidates from other parties at the debate which should be chaired by an independent representative of Southend’s community associations.

In a letter to Mr Amess, Mr Flynn wrote: “I hope you will respond positively and look forward to hearing from you to discuss arrangements.”

It has been revealed that Mr Amess has claimed the maximum £400 every month for his food allowance as part of his second home in east London.

This is part of his overall second home claim of over £20,000 a year for the past four years.

The Echo contacted Mr Amess’s office at the House of Commons, but he did not respond. Mr Amess has refused to speak to the Echo over the past three weeks, despite calls to his office almost every day.

Lib Dem candidate for the seat, Peter Welch, also supported the idea of a public debate.

He said: “When all the facts are known, then it would be a brilliant idea if it was conducted properly.”

l James Duddridge, MP for Rochford and Southend East has agreed to a full and frank interview with the Echo about his expense claims and being an MP.

He is happy to answer questions from readers so if you have a question for the MP e-mail it to michelle.archard@nqe.com by 9am tomorrow.