Related: Chancellor will use ‘Brexit freedoms’ to turn Britain into ‘next Silicon Valley’
Former Brexit secretary David Davis said the expenses watchdog had “missed the mood of the age” by telling MPs they could charge the taxpayer for Christmas parties under “bonkers” new guidance.
The cost of food, drink and “festive decorations” can also be claimed, new rules from the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa) states.
“I’m quite surprised. But I think it’s bonkers, frankly,” Mr Davis told Talk TV. “It has missed the mood of the age if that’s what they’re saying.”
“There are lots of things we have to spend taxpayers’ money on in terms of providing offices and services and so on. I’m afraid Christmas parties seem to me a bit of a strange pick, particularly this year of all years.”
Labour’s Jess Philips also accused the watchog of being “irresponsible”, insisting “there was no clamour for this from MPs and it’s stupid.”
Shadow business secretary Jonathan Reynolds also said he doubts any MPs will put food and drink for their staff Christmas parties on expenses, and suggested Ipsa had been a “little bit naive” in issuing the rule.
