NORTH Wiltshire MP James Gray has angrily denied he was being miserly when he asked a question about claiming for poppy wreaths on his Parliamentary expense account.
Mr Gray was criticised in the Sunday Telegraph after he raised a question in the House of Commons asking whether the costs of poppy wreaths he laid on Remembrance Sunday were to be paid for by the Conservative Party, from his Parliamentary expense account, or from his own pocket. He was informed it was from his own pocket.
Reader, Jon Corbett, 32, of Park Lane, Chippenham said he had been surprised at the request.
"I would think that someone on a salary which could be around £100,000 would not have a problem paying for some poppy wreaths out of his own pocket," said Mr Corbett.
But Mr Gray said "I did ask a question about how the wreaths should be paid for in December.
"I was told they had to be paid forfrom my own pocket and I has no problem with that.,
"It is ridiculous to say that I was being miserly where the Royal British Legion is concerned.
"I am ex-Territorial Army, a member of the Royal British Legion and I always give the Legion a great deal of support."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article