AN MP has sparked a fresh expenses scandal after making taxpayers pick up the bill for her Christmas party.
Lib Dem Sarah Gibson took her team out to a restaurant for the festive dinner — before submitting an invoice for £154.
Labour MP Taiwo Owatemi claimed expenses for ‘pet rent’[/caption]
It was approved and paid by the expenses watchdog IPSA, but appears to be in breach of the rules, the Taxpayers’ Alliance revealed.
Head of campaigns Elliot Keck said: “Taxpayers are sick of these penny-pinching politicians tapping them up for a cost they should be bearing themselves.
“This MP in particular gets access to a second home with bills and council tax all covered, yet she can’t even pick up the tab for a meal to thank her staff.”
Ms Gibson, 59, who represents Chippenham, Wilts, said: “As a small business owner for many years I have been used to taking my staff for a Christmas meal to thank them for their hard work.
“Though this claim for a modest meal for my team, who were all in London for work purposes, was permitted by IPSA I do accept in retrospect that as an MP the situation is different.”
The expense claim read: “Team Christmas dinner to say thank you for everyone’s hard work since July, removing alcohol and service charge.”
IPSA rules state hospitality costs for a team meal out at a pub or restaurant are not claimable.
MPs can claim the costs of food and refreshments for an office festive gathering — allowed as hospitality.
But “any event or gathering must be explicitly within a parliamentary and work context”.
It comes after The Sun on Sunday revealed Labour MP Taiwo Owatemi claimed expenses for “pet rent” for her cockapoo in London.
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Lib Dem MP Sarah Gibson claimed expenses for her staff Christmas party[/caption]
