WREXHAM MP Ian Lucas claimed more than £22,000 in expenses when he moved his second home to a more expensive flat in London.
The politician claimed the cash when he moved about seven miles from a one bedroom flat in Rotherhithe, just south of the Thames, to one within walking distance of Westminster.
He is the latest MP to come under the spotlight in the expenses scandal which has rocked politics.
Mr Lucas last night insisted he believed his claims were both “reasonable and justified”.
Investigations revealed Mr Lucas claimed £6,245 for estate agent, solicitor and management fees, when selling his Rotherhithe flat in February 2007.
The Labour whip then claimed £3,200 staying at London hotels between April and July 2007, before he moved to his Westminster flat.
He then claimed £12,755 for stamp duty, legal fees, and valuations – including on one property he didn’t buy – in relation to the purchase of the Westminster flat. The total for the move was at least £22,200.
Figures also revealed in March 2005 he claimed £1,815, for new flooring for his flat in Rotherhithe.
He claimed a further £1,388 for a bed, mattress and sofa bed, and £90 for a hotel in Cardiff in June 2007.
There were also questions about why mortgage interest charges on his latest London property were significantly higher than on his Rotherhithe property.
Revelations in recent days over the claims by MPs for expenses on their homes and second homes has sparked calls for reforms to stop abuse of the system.
The Wrexham MP said he agreed the rules should be changed, but there had to be a fair system to allow them to maintain two homes.
Mr Lucas said: “I take my responsibilities as an MP extremely seriously. I have been scrupulous about both adhering to the rules and ensuring good stewardship of public funds, mindful that it is taxpayers' money.
“It is right the rules are now changed, given some of the revelations of recent days.
“In my own case, however, I am confident that I have achieved the appropriate balance between seeking the support I need to perform my duties, and responsible use of the allowances available to me.
“Any claims I have made under the Additional Costs Allowance have been in relation to the need to either stay in London or maintain a property in London in order to perform my role as an MP.
“This includes expenses in relation to the purchase and upkeep of a property in London. This has included costs relating to the purchase and sale of accommodation.”
Mr Lucas said mortgage interest charges were higher on his current London home compared to a previous residence, but they were now substantially lower than they were at the previous property given the drop in interest rates.
He added: “It is true I have claimed £1,388 for furniture for my one bedroom flat in London. This was over a five year period. I regard a bed as an essential item.
“In relation to the hotel in Cardiff, I was attending the official opening of the National Assembly for Wales and considered this was part of my Parliamentary duties.”
