The publication today of MPs’ second home allowances has been welcomed by Shailesh Vara.

Mr Vara called for openness and transparency in the use of taxpayers’ money long before the revelations that have emerged in recent months.

Mr Vara said: “This is taxpayers’ money and there should be total transparency in how it is utilised. I do the best I possibly can for my constituents and I have no problem in people seeing where the money is used.”