DOVER and Deal MP Charlie Elphicke has honoured his election pledge to open up his expenses to his constituents.

The Conservative, who won the seat from Labour's Gwyn Prosser at the general election in May, promised voters he would reveal details of his claims if he was sent to Westminster.

He has now published online, accompanied with receipts, unedited copies of expenses claims totalling £7,103.42, which were submitted on August 3 and cover the period since his election.

The bills cover fees for parliamentary research, office stationery and equipment, travel between the capital and his constituency, and provision of a data-only mobile phone.

Mr Elphicke, a former tax lawyer, told the Express he is not claiming second-home allowance and is using public money only for work on behalf of his constituents.

He said: "In the election campaign, I promised to be open, transparent and accountable on how I spend the people's money. Publishing expenses in full is the best way to do that so people can see how I have been spending their money.

"It is an important step to rebuilding confidence in politicians. I am not claiming for food, for furniture or for a second home."

The Tory's pledge to display details of his claims openly to the public followed the furore over expenses that engulfed the last parliament.

His predecessor, Labour MP Gwyn Prosser, was widely criticised after it emerged he had used taxpayers' cash to pay for food, Sky TV and home-improvement work carried out by his brother.

Although Mr Prosser's claims were within the rules, many, including his challenger Mr Elphicke, felt they were inappropriate.

Speaking at the time of the scandal, the Conservative candidate said: "A Sky subscription with an entertainment pack and movies mix doesn't look like something the people should be paying for.

"This is not in any way an expense incurred through his work. Why should we be expected to pay for his nighttime viewing?"