Michael Howard comes out fighting
Monday, 1 June 2009 12:00 AM
By Ian Dunt
Former Tory leader Michael Howard came out fighting today, saying the Telegraph had been "thoroughly dishonest" in the way it had attacked him over his expenses.
Mr Howard found himself in the spotlight this morning, after it was reported he spent over £17,000 on "gardening services" at his second home.
Mr Howard employed The Turned Worm Gardening Company in Hythe and another gardener, between 2004 and 2008.
The Folkestone and Hythe MP, who is standing down at the next election for reasons unconnected to the expenses scandal, came out fighting this morning.
"By no means all the sums claimed were for gardening services," he said.
"The person who looks after the garden at my second home also maintains the house.
"The claim, therefore, was for general maintenance including the maintenance of the garden.
"I need a second home to perform my duties as a member of parliament and the maintenance of that home, including the garden, was a perfectly proper charge against the additional costs allowance."
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