A LEADING Liberal Democrat is calling on Rochford and Southend East Tory MP James Duddridge to repay £7,000 spent on redecorating the London flat which he is now renting out.

Mr Duddridge has made it clear in an interview with the Echo he would repay the cash if the Tory party’s expenses scrutiny panel says he should. However, Graham Longley, who is the Lib Dem candidate for the seat at the next general election, said in an open letter to Mr Duddridge: “The implication is that you might not pay it back.

“It is my belief from the people I have spoken to in the constituency this is unacceptable, especially as one assumes you are receiving rental income.

“In order to avoid further confrontation, do away with the uncertainty, and like other members caught in the same trap, pay back immediately the £7,000 referred to.”

Mr Duddridge said: “As I have publicly stated, I am happy to repay any money which the scrutiny committee deems necessary.”

He added he hoped Mr Longley would also be asking Liberal Democrat MPs to repay money they had used to claim for a variety of items under the same system.