MP tops the expenses table for Sussex

The figures, published by Commons authorities on Monday, March 30, reveal a total of 160,630 was claimed by Mr Barker, who is the Shadow Climate Change Minister, in 2007/08.

This includes 21,700 for the controversial second homes allowance '“ the cost of staying away from a main home.

This falls short of the maximum 23,083, claimed by six Sussex MPs.

None of his individual expenses were highest in the county, though his cumulative total is 2,089 higher than second on the list Nick Gibb, Conservative MP for Bognor Regis and Littlehampton.

Mr Barker made 18 journeys from April 1, 2007 to March 31, 2008, claiming 6,417 in mileage, rail and air fares.

His office running costs were second highest at 25,056, after Michael Foster, MP for Hastings and Rye, who spent 28,852.

The largest expenses for all the MPs was staff costs, with Mr Barker claiming 92,391.

Other expenses included stationery (4,047), communication costs (8,733) and IT provision (1,262).

According to The Public Whip website, Mr Barker has voted "moderately against" the policy transparency of Parliament.

Though absent on seven occasions, he voted with the majority for an amendment to the Freedom of Information Bill in May 2007, which would have taken away the public's right to know about the internal workings of Parliament.

Mr Barker said: "Last year's expenses still reflect the extra cost of opening my new dedicated constituency office in Bexhill, but I am extremely pleased with the increased service that this means I can now give to my constituents and the feedback has been extremely positive.

"Furthermore, while we are always looking at new ways to deliver value for money, particularly in the difficult times, if you look at the amount spent per constituent then we slide down the league table significantly."

Mr Barker was speaking the day after his return from Washington, where he has been in his capacity as Shadow Climate Change Minister.

He said: "I was at the participating on behalf of the UK on the International Climate and Energy Security Commission that will report to the G8 and Danish PM, who is hosting the Copenhagen Summit on climate change in December.

"The most positive thing was the sea change in America. They are really on board with the climate change agenda."