MP for St Albans Anne Main has made public her expenses in the wake of the furore over the national situation. She also claims she is in negative equity over the purchase of her �250,000 two bedroom flat in central St Albans which she sometimes shares wit

MP for St Albans Anne Main has made public her expenses in the wake of the furore over the national situation.

She also claims she is in negative equity over the purchase of her �250,000 two bedroom flat in central St Albans which she sometimes shares with her daughter.

Mrs Main's expenses show she claims around �900 per month in mortgage interest, �300 for food and around �200 month in utility bills and an annual sum of �1,400 in Council Tax.

Costs of setting up her St Albans home with items bought from local DIY firms and modestly-priced stores amounted to several thousand pounds.

Mrs Main, whose family home is in Bucks, said: "Being an MP is not a 'nine to five', five day a week job. It is necessary to have a home in St Albans as, in addition to my work in Parliament during the week, I am able to attend any meetings and other events at whatever time and means that I am able to truly support the community."

She added that she would continue to maintain a home in St Albans whatever alterations were made to the regulations as a result of the Kelly review.

Mrs Main went on: "I no longer claim for groceries, but all previous grocery claims reflected the fact that I spend very little time in my main family home and have to pay for all meals during long working days in London and St Albans, as allowed within the regulations.

"As well as considering what I 'cost' St Albans, I hope my constituents will take some time to consider how assiduously I carry out my duties on their behalf.

"Frankly, I am disgusted at the criminal and extravagant claims of some Members of Parliament. We should only be making modest claims for costs incurred that would not otherwise be incurred if we were not Members of Parliament.