HERTSMERE MP James Clappison has come under fire after claiming nearly �100,000 in second home allowances. He claimed �97,892 from the public purse over a period of seven years to run his second home. Mr Clappison, who has represented Potters Bar in Westm

HERTSMERE MP James Clappison has come under fire after claiming nearly �100,000 in second home allowances.

He claimed �97,892 from the public purse over a period of seven years to run his second home.

Mr Clappison, who has represented Potters Bar in Westminster since 1992, has not broken any House of Commons rules.

News of the second home expenses claim has sparked the local Labour party into criticising the long-serving Tory.

Derek Marcus, secretary of the Potters Bar branch of Hertsmere Labour Party, described Mr Clappison's actions as "unethical".

He added: "Does he need to claim for a second home when London Colney [where Mr Clappison's constituency office is based] is within a fairly short distance of London?"

Mr Clappison was not available for comment before the Potters Bar Edition went to press - but he has gone on record on previous occasions to say he does not comment on issues relating to MPs' expenses.

* The MP, 52, has an extensive property portfolio.

Recent parliamentary records show he has 22 rented homes in Yorkshire and Humberside, five of which are registered jointly with his wife.