Hogg Denies 'Moat Cleaning' Expense Claims Reports

Conservative MP Douglas Hogg has hit back at reports he claimed more than £2,000 of taxpayers' money for cleaning his moat.

In the latest report by the Daily Telegraph - based on leaked receipts - it also said the Sleaford and North Hykeham MP claimed £14,000 a year for a housekeeper at his Lincolnshire home, along with £40 for having his piano tuned, £646.25 for "general repairs, stable etc" and £671.17 for hiring a mole catcher for his garden. In a statement, Mr Hogg, (pictured) said: "It is clear that the system is flawed and that we as parliamentarians have a responsibility for this; we got it wrong and we need to apologise for that, I do apologise for it."

However, he added: "I have never claimed for the moat, or for the piano tuning - the allegation that I did is incorrect."

Meanwhile, Deputy Commons speaker Alan Haslehurst - Tory MP for Saffron Walden - reportedly claimed £142,000 on his country house as well as £12,000 in gardening bills over five years.

James Arbuthnot MP has apologised for an "error of judgement" after claiming cash from the public purse for cleaning his swimming pool. The claims relate to a home he rented in Hampshire before he bought a £2 million home without a mortgage two years ago.

Stewart Jackson, Tory MP, also confirmed he made a £304.10 claim for the upkeep of his swimming pool, but added the pool had "come with the house and I needed to know how to run it".

"Once I was shown that one time, there were no more claims. I take care of the pool myself. I believe this represents 'value for money' for the taxpayer," he added.

He also claimed £11,000 for "professional fees", the Daily Telegraph reported.

Yesterday Gordon Brown issued an apology on behalf of all MPs following the recent revelations of MPs expenses.

Speaking at the nursing conference in Harrowgate, on Monday, the Prime Minister said: "We also, as politicians have a responsibility to show that people who enter our profession are there to serve the public interest and not their own."

Mr Brown added: "I want to apologise on behalf of all politicians of all parties for what has happened.

"We must show we have the highest standard for our profession."

See: Prime Minister Apologises Over Expenses 'Scandal'

(JM/BMcC)