Stratford MP Nadhim Zahawi repays energy expenses
The Stratford-upon-Avon MP said he would repay the money
A Conservative MP has agreed to pay back money he wrongly claimed in Commons expenses for electricity.
Nadhim Zahawi claimed electricity bills for a stables and a mobile home, as well as his constituency address.
The Stratford-upon-Avon MP said he would repay the money and had contacted the expenses watchdog, the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority.
"I am mortified by this mistake and apologise unreservedly for it," he said.
Reports last week revealed Mr Zahawi claimed about £6,000 in expenses for heating and electricity at his constituency property and second home in the year to March.
'Apologise unreservedly'
In a statement issued on Saturday, he said: "I have been looking into this matter further and can confirm that all claims for heating fuel relate purely to my second home.
"However I have made a mistake with my electricity claims.
"On investigation I have discovered that electricity for a mobile home located in the stable yard, and electricity for the stables themselves was linked to my house.
"Whilst a meter was installed in the stable yard, I have only been receiving one bill, it was wrong to assume I was receiving two and to have not checked this sooner.
"I am mortified by this mistake and apologise unreservedly for it. I will obviously be paying back any money that was wrongly claimed immediately."
Earlier this month, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg defended MPs claiming back the cost of energy bills on their second homes.
Mr Clegg said expenses were there to help MPs with the cost of living and working in two different places.
The government has come under increasing pressure to help people facing higher gas and electricity bills, with Labour saying it would bring in a 20-month price freeze if it won the next general election in 2015.
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