Politicians in the Maldon district claimed nearly £250,000 in expenses in the last year.

Figures released by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority last week show Maldon MP John Whittingdale claimed a total of £115,103.68 between April 2012 and March 2013.

Priti Patel - MP for Great Totham, Tollesbury, Tolleshunt D’Arcy, Wickham Bishops and Woodham Walter - claimed £132,868.80 between April 2012 and March 2013.