A good news story on expenses?

By Mark Ferguson / @markfergusonuk

The Newcastle Journal reports that Labour MP Kevan Jones donated £40,000 to charity after selling his second home in London – rather than making a huge profit for himself – after deciding to comply with new expenses rules (banning MPs claiming mortgage interest) in advance of their implementation.

North Durham MP Jones split his donation between County Durham Community Foundation (£35,000),the Northumberland branch of the Royal British Legion (£3,000), the Gurkha Welfare Trust (£1,000) and the Combat Stress charity (£1,000).

However, due to changes in the expenses system, Jones is now forced to claim more in expenses than he did under the old system. Jones told the Journal:

“I have had to stay in hotels for a while and I have to pay rent now at £1,325 a month. It is £400 more than it used to cost.”

(Hat-tip – @POLITICSEDITOR)