One scrimps, the other runs up expenses

Philip Hanman's scrimping contrasts with the behaviour of his own MP Andrew George.

The Lib-Dem member for St Ives is said to have claimed £847 a month on mortgage i nterest payments on his £300,000 flat in Rotherhithe, bought in 2007.

The Daily Telegraph revealed last week that the home insurance policy on the property was taken out in the name of his student daughter, Morvah, 21, who has worked as an intern for her father and also as a model. Mr George conceded that she used the flat as a "bolt-hole". Mr George, 50, is also said to have claimed £3,999 for furniture and household items, although the fees office reduced this sum to £1,400.

The Cornwall native has been MP for St Ives since 1997.