A WATCHDOG has found a Tory minister broke expenses rules after using an office printer to produce “overtly political” material.
Pensions minister Paul Maynard was alleged earlier this year to have used the printer and constituency office to promote the Tories and his re-election.
The Blackpool North MP has now been found to have breached rules of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority – which oversees MPs’ expenses.
Rishi Sunak is facing calls to sack Maynard.
The watchdog said: "The MP has admitted to the use of the IPSA funded ‘Riso’ printer being used to produce non-parliamentary material over the period 2017 – 2024."
It also found he had under-reported use of his constituency office by his local Conservative association.
Ipsa requested a repayment of £1367 which the MP paid on May 2, but Maynard was cleared of wrongdoing over his "higher than average" claim of £106,000 for printing and related costs since 2010.
The report said: "The MP reasonably believed he had put in place an agreement with Ipsa to allow for the occasional use of his constituency office for non-parliamentary purposes and made regular payments to Ipsa for this purpose.
“However, the compliance officer considers the frequent use of Ipsa-funded office equipment such as the 'Riso' printer went beyond the bounds of this agreement, even if some of the costs of use were covered by the local Conservative Association.
“In addition, it is reasonable to assume the constituency office was used for storage and preparation of party-political material at various times which are not accurately reflected in the log of use maintained by the MP's office."
Maynard said he had paid back the recommended sum and welcomed the findings of the report, which he said "makes no direct criticism of me or of my office".
"I am grateful to the compliance officer for his time in considering this matter," the MP said.
"I welcome his report, which makes no direct criticism of me or of my office, and accept the findings.
“I have implemented his recommendations and already reimbursed Ipsa the sum recommended.
“I also agree with Ipsa that despite our best intentions, navigating the dual use of a constituency office can, at times, be inherently complicated. I have now ceased this arrangement."
