THREE of this region’s MPs claimed a total of almost £500,000 expenses during the 2017-18 financial year, figures have shown.

One of those, MP for Salisbury John Glen, claimed £191,596.96, ranking him 132nd out of 650 members of parliament across the country.

The bulk of the Economic Secretary to the Treasury and City Minister’s total went towards his constituency office and staffing expenses – £102,266, according to the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority.

Mr Glen said: “I feel that constituents appreciate having an MP who is accessible, with staff who know and love Salisbury, rather than a remote office and a revolving door of low paid interns.”

He also claimed £22,769.36 for accommodation and £5,720.55 for travel and subsistence.

Mr Glen added: “MPs budgets are set and administered by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority. My budget includes not only personal expenses associated with doing the job but all of the costs that come with keeping and running an office in the centre of Salisbury and employing a loyal group of senior staff, who have been with me throughout my time as Salisbury’s MP.”

Claire Perry, the Devizes MP whose constituency includes Ludgershall, Tidworth, Bulford, Durrington and Pewsey, claimed £191,232.

She claimed £32,606 for accommodation, £149,038‬ for her constituency office and staffing expenses and £8,449 for travel and subsistence.

Ms Perry ranked 133rd out of 650 MPs.

Desmond Swayne, the New Forest West MP, claimed £91,650.

He claimed £2,614.00 for accommodation, £88,170‬ for his constituency office and staffing expenses and £866.10 for travel and subsistence.

Mr Swayne ranked 643rd out of all the MPs.

The MP who claimed the most was Jim Shannon of the DUP in Strangford, County Down.

His expenses totalled £242,153.71, with more than £150,000 on staffing.

Prime Minister Theresa May claimed £134,179, ranking 577th.

Ms Perry and Mr Swayne were both approached for comment.

THE FIGURES

John Glen, Salisbury

Expenses total - £191,596.96

Estimated salary - £100,059

Ranking - 132nd

Claire Perry, Devizes

Expenses total - £191,232.98

Estimated salary - £109,501

Ranking - 133rd

Desmond Swayne, New Forest West

Expenses total - £91,650.39

Estimated salary - £76,011

Ranking - 643rd