Paisley jnr clarifies expenses position

The North Antrim MP said: “The business expenses are unavoidable costs that an MP incurs whilst running a busy constituency office and commuting to parliament.

“I employ four full-time and two part-time staff both in the constituency and parliament whose travel costs are included in mine. None of this money goes to the MP.

“I am doing a full-time job with one of the highest speaking records in the UK parliament and one who asks an above average number of questions to the Government.

“I host a significant number of constituent visits to parliament even during recess. As a result my constituency has benefited in terms of coverage, jobs promotions and activity.

“Once again, I stress none of this money goes to me as MP or my family. They are legitimate expenses signed off by IPSA and paid directly by the parliament.”