Maldon's MP has come under fire for billing the taxpayer for rent, while he lets out another home.

Conservative MP John Whittingdale is among 32 other MP’s who have been found to be claiming expenses for rent, while letting out a second property.

The Standard also found that Mr Whittingdale is claiming expenses of around £19,000 a year for rent, after he moved out of a flat with a small monthly mortgage of around £180.

He is claiming the capped amount for rent, which does not cover the whole weekly rent of around £420.

Monday’s Dispatches programme on Channel 4 brought to light Mr Whittingdale’s expenses changes, along with other MPs.

Mr Whittingdale, the chairman of the culture, media and sport committee, defended his position to The Standard.

He said he was forced to move out of the flat he has owned for years and into a nearby property, with a higher rental claim on his expenses, because of rule changes.

See this week's MBS for the full story.