SIR MICHAEL SPICER WILL REPAY ANY EXPENSES 'FOUND TO BE UNJUSTIFIED'

6.19.33pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 18th May 2009

The Chairman of West Worcestershire Conservative Association has told Richard Burt that West Worcestershire MP Sir Michael Spicer, in the spotlight over expenses claims, will now repay any sums, should they be found to be unjustified.

Following newspaper reports that Sir Michael had claimed expenses for two separate Council Tax bills at his Worcestershire home and £5,650 for gardening over a nine month period, the MP is reported as saying his claims were "acceptable" and public attitudes towards the claims were a "question of fashion".

Mr Burt wrote an open letter the local party Chairman, Ken Pollock, calling on Mr Pollock to encourage Sir Michael to make a voluntary repayment of any expenses that could be considered to be excessive or extravagant.

"I am pleased that Sir Michael has back-tracked from his original position and will now at least subject his claims to scrutiny under a process set up by his own party.

"I think he probably realises the extent of public anger over MPs expenses."

ENDS