Every penny claimed is justified, says MP John Healey

The Wentworth & Dearne MP was behind only former South Yorkshire mayor and current Barnsley Central MP Dan Jarvis in the county’s claims totals.

Mr Healey, who is also shadow secretary of state for defence, claimed back £24,295.17 from March to July for the running costs of his office — excluding staff salaries — which included support for travel, heating, rent, subsistence and other costs incurred within that time.

Among his expenses claims were a docking station for his home laptop for £67.99, four breakfasts at the Premier Inn County Hall for £42, and car mileage for £3.60.

An MP’s annual salary last year was £81,932.04 but is now £84,144 following a pay rise in April.

Mr Healey said it was vital that an MP is supported with expenses so that he can run an office and help his constituents in the process.

“I want to provide the best possible support and service to constituents which is why I employ good staff and run a local office that is open to the public, so people can always get in touch with me,” Mr Healey said.

“Every penny that MPs spend must be a business cost.

“There is rightly a very tight system in place to make sure that every reimbursement has a receipt and is independently checked before payment.”