MP SIR NICHOLAS Winterton has finally broken his silence to defend his expense claims.

The Wintertons went to ground after the Express’ story on their £11,000 taxpayer-funded food bill and claims for a loo handle and toilet brush holder. But after two weeks of silence, and his resignation, Sir Nick has finally made contact on behalf of himself and his wife Lady Winterton, MP for Congleton.

In his letter to the Express, he said:

  • Resignation was NOT a result of the expenses debacle.
  • Food claimed over four years equates to about £11 per day when the House of Commons was sitting.
  • The couple needed a London flat and only claimed interest from the House of Commons authorities for a limited number of years.
  • The Commissioner for Standards, who looked into the arrangements last year, found it had been agreed by the House authorities and the couple did not seek to conceal that deal, which did not cost the taxpayer any extra.
  • No MP is expected to fund accommodation.
  • To present what pair did as sleaze is totally unjustified.
  • Sir Nick ended: "I am saddened and disappointed about how your newspaper has presented the arrangements which Ann and I had made for our London flat." 

Click on the 'Related links' on the right to read Sir Nick's letter in full, and for the latest on the Conservatives' efforts to replace him.