HYNDBURN MP Greg Pope is still waiting to find out whether or not he will have to pay back any expense claims.
The Labour backbencher who was caught up in the expenses scandal earlier this year, remained tight lipped this week when approached by the Observer but admitted he had yet to receive a letter from Sir Thomas Legg.
Sir Thomas has been tasked to audit all MPs’ expenses following the high profile scandal which saw many members avoiding paying capital gains tax, and claiming thousands of pounds on their homes.
The Sunday Telegraph revealed that Mr Pope claimed £560 for two abstract paintings and a £1,590 shopping spree at John Lewis.
The Observer also reported that the MP had claimed £7,295 of Additional Cost Allowance when he moved homes in October 2006.
Items on the claim included £196 on bed linen and bath towels, £1,646 on table and chairs, £998 on a bed and mattress and £1,384 on mortgage interest payments.
He also spent £670 decorating his hallway and bathroom in June 2005 and £587 in October 2007 on an advertising board at Accrington Stanley.
Earlier this year he said urgent reform was needed and said he was happy for the public to see his expenses.
Hyndburn council leader Peter Britcliffe said: "This gravy train has to stop and it’s right that MPs are being asked to pay it back.
"They may have been acting within the rules but if they over-claimed they should pay it back. They have a responsible position but they should accept what Sir Thomas Legg has said. It’s important Parliament regains its integrity."
Mr Pope, who grew up in Church Street and now lives in Blackburn with his wife Kate and has three children Roisin, Sam, and Conor, will step down from Parliament at the next General Election.
He maintains it is so he can spend more time with family and has nothing to do with the expenses scandal.
To view Mr Pope's expenses, go to: www.parliament.uk.
