“These folks [Locog] are saying yes, it’s our fault, it should have said ‘open to the public’,” he said. “But there are hundreds and hundreds of us here. There’s nothing we can do. We don’t have a clue what’s going on. The website was very unclear.
“Everybody you see her in shorts, and a lot of others, are in the same position as me. They were expecting to be able walk in and sit down. With this and the Korean thing, before the Games even start, it’s not the best start.”
Another would-be spectator, Charles Fox, had come from Kingston-upon-Thames after seeing the event advertised as non-ticketed in an official Locog ticketing brochure. “It’s a bit of a shame,” he said. “I wanted to come to Lord’s, and they’ve just turned us away. I don’t see why they can’t just let us in.”
Vanessa Bellamy, the venue manager at Lord’s, said: “This has always been a non-ticketed event but it seems some people believed they could come down on the day. This was never the case but we believe some illegal websites may have suggested this was the case.”
A number of websites – still extant – had listed the ranking round as a free event, including the online version of the Daily Mail and a student money-saving website called ‘Save The Student’.
An official Locog statement read: “Tickets have not been advertised or sold by Locog for the Archery ranking event which starts today at Lords Cricket Ground. We have always made it clear that the preliminary rounds are not open for spectators.
“There are a number of unofficial websites claiming to sell tickets, we therefore advise people to be extremely cautious and vigilant when attempting to buy tickets and only purchase from an official source.”
Source: www.telegraph.co.uk
Flying Squirrel and Wieber Fever meet in London - Reuters
LONDON |
LONDON (Reuters) - Team mates one day, heated rivals the next, American gymnasts Gabby Douglas and Jordyn Wieber may not be Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte but their showdown for the Olympic all-around gold could provide the London Games with one of its great moments.
Douglas, the tiny, bubbly 16-year-old sensation dubbed the "Flying Squirrel" is sure to become an instant Olympic favourite and could also walk away a multiple medal winner having established her credentials with an upset victory over Wieber at the U.S. trials.
Wieber may only be five months older than Douglas but the 17-year-old exudes a stoic intensity and maturity that has already carried her to a world all-around title.
Douglas and Wieber will combine forces with three team mates to try and help the U.S. claim the gold medal in the team event for the first time since 1996. However, it is their head-to-head battle for the all-around crown that has provided a mouth-watering rivalry to match Phelps and Lochte in the pool or Jamaican sprinters Yohan Blake and Usain Bolt on the track.
Their contrasting styles and personalities should add even more spice to a competition that is among the Games most anticipated events.
Douglas assures she and Wieber are the best of friends away from the gym but on the floor may the best gymnast win.
"We're best friends off the floor but on the floor it's kind of everyone for themselves," Douglas told reporters. "We want each other to do the very best... want to wish each other the very best.
"We just push each other to be better and do greater things. We just go out there and try to perform and do our very best.
"It's going to be a good one.
"I'm just going to go out there enjoy it and take it all in."
Cool, confident and focused on the task ahead, it is easy to forget that Douglas is just 16 until her teenage sensibilities betray her.
Unable to contain her excitement, Douglas's eyes widened as she described the athletes village, explaining how she just missed meeting Bolt and hoping to ride the London Eye.
But one thing Douglas will not experience at her first Olympics will be marching in for Friday's opening ceremony as coaches have decided the team should follow proceedings from the comfort of a couch with their first competition just days away.
"It feels so amazing seeing the Olympic rings everywhere, it's like, 'WOW I finally made it'.
"I've come so far and I'm going to keep striving towards my dream.
"I have nerves here and there but they are the good kind of nerves."
(This story has been corrected to add a correct image of Jordyn Wieber)
(Editing by Pritha Sarkar)
Source: www.reuters.com
Sam and TOWIE pals plan 80s party for Joey Essex - The Sun
SAM Faiers has got into the 80s spirit — dressing up in a sexy Ghostbusters outfit to celebrate her boyfriend Joey Essex's birthday.
Wearing a khaki playsuit that showed off her long pins to perfection, Sam also sported a matching hat, a long red wig and giant heels.
Joey's 22nd birthday is in August but the Essex gang were filming scenes for an upcoming episode of the show.
Image-concious star Joey rocked a pale blue shell suit jacket, hi-top trainers, white shorts and sunnies for the festivities.
And he was overjoyed when he was presented with a bike as a present for his big day.
Sexy star Lydia Bright, who dated James "Arg" Argent for several years but is now in love with Tom Kilbey, squeezed herself into a pair of skin-tight cherry red leggings for the occassion.
The gorgeous blonde teamed the trews with red heels and a simple black t-shirt and hid her eyes behind dark shades.
Boyfriend Tom donned a more simple outfit as they arrived together, of shorts and a hoody.
Also in costume was Ricky Rayment. He modelled a pink shellsuit, an oversized dollar sign necklace and carried a blonde wig in his hands.
Girlfriend Jess Wright frocked up in a ra-ra skirt, lace gloves and OTT jewellery.
Getting into the mood of the day was Lauren Pope, who sported pink ripped leggings, a white leotard, a skinny rose-coloured belt and ruched peep-toe boots.
Lauren P, 30, was recently seen telling Tom Pearce, 22, that they would never be a couple as she felt their age gap was too severe.
But viewers of TOWIE saw Tom P kiss Lauren Goodger on Wednesday night's show.
Onlookers suggested that a row erupted between the two Laurens at Joey's party over the hunk's affections, leaving Goodger in tears.
For Joey's party, Lauren G wore a black dress with chiffon overskirt which accentuated her figure. She accessorised the dress with patent peeptoe heels.
She was snapped during the day having an in-depth conversation Arg, and the pals linked hands as they chatted.
Arg, who is currently dating Gemma Collins, is best friend's with Mark Wright who Lauren dated for ten years.
Sam's sister Billie Faiers looked ready for a workout in a lime green headband and sweat bands, pink vest top, black legwarmers and carried a green bag.
And pal Chloe Sims looked retro in a frizzy blonde wig, a pink bow in her hair and a lace vest which amplified her bust.
She also wore heavy eyeshadow on her peepers and long false eyelashes.
Gemma Collins' ex Charlie King, who was seen being snubbed by Lauren G, in the last edition of TOWIE donned a black buckled outfit, topped off with a black wig and sunglasses.
Source: www.thesun.co.uk
County Championship round-up: Finn and Onions stake claim for Test spot - The Independent
UFC: Mario Balotelli needs to take a look at ‘Shotgun’
As UFC 149 leaves UFC President Dana White “embarrassed” we look back at a curious Calgary card, spe...
26 July 2012 04:24 PM
Source: www.independent.co.uk
London Olympics 2012: Carl Lewis on Mitt Romney: 'some Americans shouldn't leave the country' - Daily Telegraph
Mr Romney attempted to put a brave face on his diplomatic issues on Thursday night, declaring himself to be “a guy from Great Britain” who is “married to a girl from Wales”.
The former Massachusetts governor and his wife, Ann, were interviewed together after a day from which he was meant to emerge looking like an international statesman descended into farce.
He told CNN's Piers Morgan on Thursday evening that the Olympics would be “terrific”, blessed with “great weather” and full of “enthusiasm on the part of the people here in London”.
The previous evening he told NBC that he had seen “disconcerting” signs that made it “hard to know just how well it will turn out” at the London games, prompting a sharp rejoinder from David Cameron.
Promising London would deliver, the Prime Minister said it had been challenging to host an Olympics in one of the world's busiest cities rather than the “middle of nowhere”, where it would be easier.
This was widely taken in the US to be a reference to Utah, the sparsely populated western state where Mr Romney was chief executive of the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics in 2002.
Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London, heaped more misery on Mr Romney's campaign by dismissing his remarks while onstage at a concert in Hyde Park to mark the end of the Olympic torch relay.
“There's guy called Mitt Romney who wants to know if we are ready,” Mr Johnson cried, prompting jeers from some of the 60,000-strong crowd. “Are we ready? Yes we are!”
By then a sheepish Mr Romney had deserted his earlier remarks with a statement delivered outside 10 Downing Street. He predicted that any minor problems would be “overshadowed by the extraordinary demonstrations of courage, character and determination by the athletes”.
Mr Romney was asked in his interview on Thursday evening whether he had been aware of his roots in northern England, where his great-great-grandfather, a carpenter from Preston, was one of the first Mormons in Britain some 175 years ago.
“I knew that my ancestors came from here,” he said. “I know Miles Romney and Miles Park Romney – these are the folks that came and helped settle the West.”
Asked whether he felt “partly English” as a result, a chuckling Mr Romney replied: “Well, I’m married to a girl from Wales, and I’m a guy from Great Britain. So I feel like this is home too, I guess.”
His wife is descended from Welsh coal-miners. Her grandfather, David Davies, travelled to Michigan from Wales in 1929.
Mrs Romney told Morgan that the ITV drama Downton Abbey was one of their favourite television programmes, and that the couple were currently working their way through the second series.
The Republican challenger also raised eyebrows on Thursday by referring to Ed Miliband with the American-style honorific “Mr Leader” and appearing to breach protocol by disclosing that he had met Sir John Sawers, the Secret Intelligence Service chief.
Source: www.telegraph.co.uk
London Set For Olympics Opening Spectacular - Sky.com
Mental Gymnastics: Try Our Olympic Trivia Test
Updated: 5:55am UK, Friday 27 July 2012
1 - Which is taller, Nelson's Column or the Olympic Stadium?
Standing at around 60 metres tall, the Olympic Stadium is three metres taller than Nelson's column.
2 - Which Olympic Games was the first to hand out Gold, Silver and Bronze medals?
St Louis, USA 1904
3 - Which four cities did London beat for the right to host the 2012 Games?
Paris, Madrid, New York and Moscow
4 - Which country has hosted the summer Olympics the most amount of times?
USA - four times. In St Louis 1904, Los Angeles 1932 and 1984, Atlanta 1996
5 - The pommel horse is now a piece of gymnastics equipment. What was its original use?
To help soldiers practice getting on and off their horses.
6 - Why is an Olympic gold medal not as valuable as it seems?
Olympic gold medals are mainly made of silver. They contain just 1.34% of gold. The last Olympic gold medals made entirely out of gold were awarded in 1912.
7 - Why were the first Olympics in London, in 1908, a marathon not a sprint?
They lasted for 187 days; compared to the 17 days of this year's competition.
8 - Which was the first sport, at London 2012, to sell out of tickets?
Synchronised swimming.
9 - Which two of the following events have never featured at the Olympics?
Squash, Solo Synchronised Swimming, Live Pigeon shooting, Netball, Horse Long Jump, Tug Of War, Golf, Club Swinging
Answer: Squash, Netball
10 - One million pieces of sports equipment are required for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, including three metal detectors - but for which sport?
Beach volleyball
11 - Four skeletons were removed from a prehistoric settlement discovered on the site of which venue?
The Aquatics Centre
12 - When was Women's Judo first introduced as an Olympic Sport?
1992 Barcelona
13 - In the post World-War-Two era, Great Britain has only won one hockey gold medal - in which year?
1988, Seoul. Great Britain beat West Germany 3-1 in the final, after GB lost to them 2-1 in the group stage.
14 - To commemorate London 2012, a series of sport-themed 50p coins have been designed by members of the public - including one explaining which sporting rule?
Football's offside rule - the coin was designed by Neil Wolfson.
15 - Great Britain won a total of 47 medals at Beijing 2008 - which athlete won the first?
Cyclist Nicole Cooke won gold in the women's road race on August 10, the second full day of competition.
16 - Team GB competitors in which sport are not allowed to train on home soil?
Team GB Shooters are not allowed to train in England, Scotland or Wales because of the ban on handguns after Dunblane 1996.
17 - Name the only venue from the 1948 London Olympics which still remains in tact
Herne Hill velodrome, which following a campaign is being restored to its former glory.
18 - There are just two women-only disciplines at the Olympic Games - what are they?
Synchronised Swimming and Rhythmic Gymnastics
19 - Which is the only country to win at least one gold in every summer Olympics?
Great Britain.
20 - The Opening Ceremony takes place at the Olympic Stadium on July 27, so why has the Games started two days earlier and around 150 miles from the Olympic Park?
Cardiff's Millennium Stadium hosted the opening match of the women's football competition between Great Britain and New Zealand on July 25.
Source: news.sky.com
Blind South Korean archer smashes London Olympics' first world record - The Guardian
South Korea claimed the first world records of London 2012 on Friday morning with a stunning display in the men's archery ranking round at Lord's.
Im Dong-hyun, who is registered as blind, broke his own 72-arrow mark of 696 by three points and was also part of a record in the team shoot. Im's partial sight means he shoots at the centre of a colourful blur he sees 70 metres before him.
Alongside Kim Bubmin and Oh Jin-hyek he helped register a 216-arrow total of 2,087 – smashing the world record by 18 points.
The day's shooting got under way in perfect conditions, with the Korean trio setting the standard from the off.
They took the three top seedings, with the world No2 Im again leading the way, breaking the world record for the third occasion since the London 2012 test event.
Despite rain affecting the second half of the ranking shoot, Im still finished with a superb 699. Kim was just one point behind with 698 and Oh closed with 690.
The top five was rounded out by Great Britain's Larry Godfrey, who recorded a personal best of 680, and Japan's Takaharu Furukawa one point further back.
World No1 Brady Ellison of the United States had a disappointing day, placing 10th with a total of 676.
Elsewhere, Ukraine's reigning Olympic champion Viktor Ruban was down in 43rd with 660.
Earier dozens of spectators were left disappointed as they were denied entry to the first London-based action of the Olympics.
The men's archery ranking round began behind closed doors.
Other non-ticketed events, such as the cycling road race, allow fans to catch a glimpse of the Games for free but stewards were not permitted to allow access.
Several people had queued from early in the morning in the hope of gaining access on a 'first-come, first-served' basis and numbers peaked at around 50 by the time the archers had started shooting.
The Lord's venue manager Vanessa Bellamy said: "This has always been a non-ticketed event but it seems some people believed they could come down on the day.
"This was never the case but we believe some illegal websites may have suggested this was the case."
Source: www.guardian.co.uk
Brentwood: Police consulting on disbanding mounted police unit - Romford Recorder 24
Essex Police are consulting about cuts to their mounted police section
Arjun Kharpal, Reporter
Friday, July 27, 2012
10:00 AM
»The sight of police horses in Brentwood could soon be a thing of the past.
Essex Police informed the county’s police authority earlier this month of its plans to disband the Mounted Section.
The proposal is now subject to consultation with staff. The unit could start being disbanded in September.
The move comes as Essex Police faces financial pressures and cuts to its grant, meaning it has to make recurring revenue savings of £42.2million by 2014/15.
Axing the Mounted Section would save £600,000 a year. The unit was first cut in 1999 but brought back in 2008 with significant investment in new facilities at its Writtle base.
‘Reluctance’
Chief Constable Jim Barker-McCardle said: “In these times of unprecedented financial pressures, the force is faced with very hard choices, and the proposal to disband the Mounted Section is made with great reluctance.”
Mick Thwaites, a retired chief superintendent who is running as independent candidate for the Essex Police and Crime Commissioner post, called the section a “political football”.
He said: “It was only a few years ago that the mounted unit was brought back.
“About £250,000 was spent on bringing the stables at Writtle up to scratch and all the other expense for training officers, sourcing horses and so on will now have been completely wasted.”
Mr Thwaites believes any cut to the Mounted Section would be detrimental to policing in Essex.
He said: “The officers in the Mounted Section are modern, hardworking, dedicated cops who, like most of the officers and staff of Essex Police, want to do a good job.
He added: “Perhaps they don’t detect as much crime or nick as many villains as beat officers, but should we judge police work on this narrow band of government-driven meaningless stats?
“We should judge it on what makes the pubic feel safe.”
Essex Police is one of nine forces that continues to maintain a dedicated mounted section.
Source: www.romfordrecorder.co.uk
London welcomes First Lady of fashion Michelle Obama as she dons ANOTHER patriotic outfit in support of Team USA - Daily Mail
By Toni Jones and Kristie Lau
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She only arrived in London this morning but America's First Lady of fashion has already showed off two very patriotic wardrobe choices as she helps motivate Team USA.
Leaving husband Barack at home in Washington, Michelle Obama is in the UK to lead the US Presidential Delegation to the Olympic Games.
After a breakfast with Team USA at their training facility in the University of East London, where she wore a bold red and white striped jacket and black tailored trousers, her whirlwind schedule took her to an event to help promote her Let's Move campaign.
Scroll down for video
Quick change: Michelle Obama has arrived in London to support Team USA and already sported two patriotic outfits. She was seen at a breakfast in red and white (left) and a Let's Move event in blue (right)
Casual: Mrs Obama, in a red peplum top, relaxed with U.S. athletes on her first engagement in London today
At Mrs Obama's breakfast stop, she greeted athletes with a rousing speech as her bold wardrobe choice also spoke volumes.
The red and white pattern on the jacket was a surprise choice for the normally impeccably dressed 48-year old, as she started to blend in with the America flags behind her.
At the following event, held at Winfield House in Regent's Park where U.S. Ambassador Louis Susman now resides, she mingled with David Beckham among other sporting stars.
Wearing another patriotic ensemble, she wore a sporty blue T-shirt, paired with white pants and a smart white and blue blazer that featured navy piping.
Go team! First Lady Michelle Obama and David Beckham celebrate the Let's Move London event with a high five
Who's the real pro? David Beckham (left) and Michelle Obama (right) show off their football skills during the First Lady's Let's Move-London event
Team player: The First Lady stripped off her blazer, revealing THOSE arms as she played football with some of the children who attended the event. Mr Beckham is spotted in the background, cheering Mrs Obama on
Passionate: Michelle Obama hosted the event that attracted around 1,000 American military children as well as American and British students. David Beckham (seen right) also showed off his new tattoo, pictured
Celebrity fans: David Beckham also attended today's Let's Move event, seen on stage with the U.S. First Lady
The event attracted around 1,000 American Military children as well as American and British students who couldn't get enough of the event's visiting host.
HIT OR MISS? FASHION EDITORS WEIGH IN ON MICHELLE'S LOOK
NICOLE MOWBRAY, Editor of Life & Style at the Daily Mail
Sport and fashion are uncomfortable bedfellows and sadly Michelle Obama’s Olympic looks so far have been too gimmicky to be chic.
The star-spangled jacket may be patriotic, but stylish it is not. In my fashion Olympics that’s a DNQ (Did Not Qualify) I’m afraid.
Removing the jacket later on however, revealing her stunning arms in a beautiful red peplum top, was a smart tactical move for MObama and gets a gold medal.
Unless you’re the Duchess of Cambridge, it’s difficult to look elegant while playing sport and Michelle’s mismatched second outfit consisting of a sporty T-shirt, fitted trousers and another bad blazer won’t challenge Kate for fashion first place in the near future.
And now for the rest of the fashion pack verdicts...
SINEAD O'CONNELL, Junior Fashion Editor, YOU Magazine: I think Michelle looks great! She can pull off graphic, bold prints as well as the nipped in waist silhouette. The patriotic colours also work well for the Olympics!
Peplum suits her shape and shows off her toned arms. It’s fun yet fashion!
ELOISE PARKER, Royal expert: The busy red and white blazer could be overpowering on some, but Michelle has the confidence to pull it off, playing ringmaster with a playful, patriotic nod to her home team.
The red peplum waist top is undoubtedly her most flattering pick, enhancing her waistline and showing off those famously toned arms to perfection. Definitely a fashion winner!
ALISON TAY, Style Editor, Now Magazine: Michelle’s peplum top is an event-appropriate and on-trend excuse to show off muscle tone that would even make Team USA weep.
But her London looks – especially the trompe l'oeil stripe blazer - indicate that she may have been taking style notes from the Duchess of Cambridge, who also largely sticks to a patriotic palette of red, white and (royal) blue.
She jogged to a stage to the sound of a marching band that played the University of Florida flight song.
She told the crowd: 'I'm so excited. I am thrilled to be here on London for the 2012 Olympic games. I am proud to be leading the U.S. delegation to the opening ceremony.'
Olympic gold-medal sprinter Carl Lewis signed autographs at the event while ex-NBA star Dikembe Mutombo offered basketball tips to the awed group of children.
Mr Beckham stood behind Mrs Obama, watching on as she addressed the crowd.
But soon, it was time for the games to begin and the blazer was shrugged off to allow the First Lady to show off THOSE famous arms as she played football and other sports with children on the lawn.
There was no doubting her passion for her country and team as she was seen getting active with her adoring fans.
She proved an equally-inspiring presence earlier this morning at the breakfast event.
There, she had chosen an on trend pillar box red peplum shell top to wear underneath the nipped in jacket, which also featured cut-away collar detail and optical illusion panels.
During her address Mrs Obama urged America’s athletes to 'have fun, breathe a bit, but also win'.
She said: “Wow, I’m going to be saying that a lot over the next few days. Wow, wow!
'I can’t believe I am here, I am beyond proud. 'I can’t begin to tell you how amazing it is for me to be leading the delegation.'
She spoke of her fond memories of the Olympics.
'Some of my fantastic memories growing up, and even as an adult, involved watching the Olympics on TV.
'I was just in awe of these athletes and my family, we would sit together for hours watching these men and women perform feats of endurance, speed and grace that would have us cheering at the top of our lungs.'
She said she and her brother hoped that they would one day achieve something “just as great” for themselves.
Mrs Obama also told the athletes the Olympics were particularly special to her family because of her father’s battle with multiple sclerosis, she said: 'My father contracted MS in the prime of his life, but he retained the love of sports, and the Olympics was a special time for him.
First stop: Mrs Obama talked to American athletes at their training camp ahead of the Olympic games
Lone star: She has left Barack at home in order to lead the U.S. Presidential Delegation to the Olympic Games
Helping hand: The First Lady showed her support as she mingled with America's sporting heroes
Talking about her drive to get America fit she urged the athletes to think about the children that will be watching them across the Atlantic.
She said: 'You just never know who you are going to inspire, you just never know.
'You are certainly inspiring me every day. I still have those same feelings of pride, excitement and wonder, so being here is other-worldly for me.
'I am still so inspired by all of you.
'This summer, people across America are going to be supporting Team USA and not just by cheering you on from our living rooms, but by striving to live up to the example that you have set.'
All-stars: The First Lady showed her support of athletes from Team USA (pictured) at today's event
Inspiration: The all-star Team USA stood on as the First Lady addressed her adoring fans who snapped photos
Mrs Obama is a passionate advocate of healthy living and later on this morning will be hosting a Let's Move event for British and American school children alongside David Beckham.
And her day of events will conclude with a reception at Buckingham Palace for heads of state and then a visit to East London and the Opening Ceremony of the 2012 Olympic games.
The style conscious First Lady is a walking advertisement for good eating and exercise and takes every opportunity to showcase her gym honed arms in demure but sleeveless outfits.
And fashion fans are hoping she will take this opportunity to showcases some of her signature preppy looks.
Moving: Mrs Obama often gets involved in group exercise to promote the Let's Move initiative she has pioneered. She's encouraging Americans to live a more positive lifestyle through exercise and healthy eating
Fashion face-off: All eyes will be on the Duchess of Cambridge (left) and Michelle Obama (right) when they meet at Buckingham Palace later today. The fashionable duo always reveal sophisticated ensembles, like above
On a recent promotional jaunt for her gardening book American Grown: The Story of the White House Kitchen Garden and Gardens Across America Mrs Obama she changed outfit three times in one afternoon.
Speaking of her visit to the Olympics and her continuing ant-obesity campaigning Mrs Obama has said: 'Olympians and Paralympians are true American heroes and role models for all of us, especially our young people.
'And I know that this delegation will help inspire a generation of young people to get into the Olympic spirit by getting active and healthy so they can reach their fullest potential and reach their dreams.'
WAGs: Samantha Cameron (left) and Michelle Obama (right) were pictured in Washington in March. The two women of power, not to mention fashion icons, will meet again for an official lunch tomorrow
Source: www.dailymail.co.uk
Suffolk/Essex: MPs’ claim £270k expenses in a year new figures reveal - East Anglian Daily Times
Dr Dan Poulter claimed expenses of nearly £50,000
By Paul Geater
Friday, July 27, 2012
9:14 AM
SUFFOLK’S MPs claimed almost £270,000 in expenses between them over the last year, according to new figures.
MPs’ expenses March 2011 to March 2012
David Ruffley (Bury St Edmunds): £16,119.
Ben Gummer (Ipswich): £39,082.
Matthew Hancock (West Suffolk): £40,138.
Tim Yeo (South Suffolk): £40,393.
Therese Coffey (Suffolk Coastal): £41,585
Peter Aldous (Waveney): £42,852
Dan Poulter (Central Suffolk and North Ipswich): £49,758
Suffolk total: £269,927
Bernard Jenkin (Harwich and North Essex): £20,983.
Sir Bob Russell (Colchester): £25,828.
Douglas Carswell (Clacton): £39,442.
Priti Patel (Witham): £14,161
North Essex total: £100,416
And a further £100,000 was claimed by four MPs from north Essex.
The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) has published the claims of all MPs from March 2011 to the same month this year.
The figures include the cost of accommodation, travel, and supplies for constituency offices, but not the cost of staff salaries which are now paid direct to MPs’ officials.
The largest claim in Suffolk was from Central Suffolk and North Ipswich MP Dan Poulter who claimed £49,758. The lowest claim, by a significant margin, was from Bury St Edmunds MP David Ruffley who claimed £16,119.
Essex MPs tended to claim less – travel to London from their seats is not as expensive as it is from some parts of Suffolk. Ipswich MP Ben Gummer said most MPs now accepted the expenses system and found it worked reasonably well.
He said: “There are some who have been around a long time who are not so happy with things, but most of us feel that it is fair and reasonable.
“It is right that all expenses claims should be open to public scrutiny – constituents have the right to know what their MPs’ are getting.”
Suffolk Coastal MP Dr Therese Coffey welcomed the publication of the accounts, saying: “Those of us who were first elected in 2010 are claiming for rent in London. I suspect that is why the amounts we are claiming for is all quite high. Those who have been in Parliament for longer may have bought a flat when the price was cheaper and therefore have less to claim.
“But I am quite happy about the publication – it is all part of open government.”
IPSA was set up in early 2010 following the expenses scandals of the previous year.
It now publishes MPs’ expenses every two months giving constituents the opportunity to see how much their members have spent.
4 comments
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Priti Patel has more and more going for her. Bright, forthright and hard-working - and not on the expenses gravy train. Can't she move to Suffolk?
Friday, July 27, 2012
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Why do they get expenses for travelling to their place of work? If they want to serve the community so much, they can pay for their fares out of their large salaries. Why can 1 MP get by with only £16,000 but others need £50,000. Either 1 isnt doing their job properly, or the others are abusing the system. Its a shame MPs don't live in the real world.
Friday, July 27, 2012
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Daddy, when I grow up can I be an M.P.?
Friday, July 27, 2012
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I think we should only pay 13 of their expenses, they are after all only involved in making a 13 of our laws. The EU does the rest.
Friday, July 27, 2012
Source: www.eadt.co.uk
Another trip, another tax dollar at my expense..
- mark, dc, 27/7/2012 20:17
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