AN MP has told how he spends only £28 a night staying in a bed and breakfast while in London – despite being allowed to claim £150.

Desmond Swayne, Conservative MP for New Forest West, is the lowest claimer of expenses in the Daily Echo’s area, drawing £87,666 including office and staffing costs last year.

He told the Echo he normally stayed in a London bed and breakfast for £28 a night, despite the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority allowing claims of up to £150.

Mr Swayne did have homes in London until the property slump and the reform to MPs’ allowances following the expenses scandal of 2009.

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“I had two properties in London which I was letting 10 years before I was elected,” he said.

“I did live in town during the old regime but it would be economic madness in the current climate. I’m there three nights a week. To keep a property empty for three nights a week is not a good idea. It’s a standing invitation to any kind of burglar.”

Mr Swayne, a major in the Territorial Army, added: “It’s much more sensible for me to stay in a B&B for £28 a night.

“If I can’t get that B&B, then I’ll stay at the Cavalry and Guards club for a lot less.”

Mr Swayne is not the only local MP to turn down some of the payments available to members.

Conor Burns, Conservative MP for Bournemouth West, said he did not claim the payments available for evening meals when the House of Commons sits past 7pm.

“I don’t see why my constituents should pay £15 for me to have my dinner on a Monday and Tuesday,” he said.

He said he did claim food for interns rather than leave them out of pocket during their work at the Commons.

He said he also sought to save on travel by booking off-peak rail fares in advance with a rail card.

Mr Burns’ allowances – covering travel, running an office, staffing costs and accommodation – came to £110,502 in the year 2013-14.

The highest claimer locally was North Dorset MP Robert Walter on £164,38.