A HAMPSHIRE MP has defended himself after splashing out on a £35 toilet roll holder, £79 on silk cushion covers, £100 on a shower rack at the taxpayers' expense.

Other claims made by Conservative MP for Fareham Mark Hoban include £240 for eight cushions, £294 on a coffee table and £749 for a television.

Mr Hoban said: "At the time I made these claims I believed they were reasonable and within the spirit of the rules.

"My claim forms have been submitted to the Conservatives' Scrutiny Panel and I will accept any guidance they give."

These revelations come shortly after fellow Tory Peter Viggers, MP for Gosport, was slammed for claiming £30,000 for his garden and trying to bill taxpayers £1,600 for a duck island in his pond.

Mr Viggers has announced he will be stepping down at the next election.

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