22 May 2009

UK Expenses row: MP who claimed for 500 trees accuses constituents of 'jealousy'

Why are people so angry about the MPs' expenses scandal? "Jealousy," according to the veteran MP Sir Anthony Steen who yesterday expressed his dismay at the ­outcry over his claim for the treatment of 500 trees in the grounds of his house.

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Steen, MP for Totnes since 1974, was forced by David Cameron to issue a strongly worded apology after he blamed constituents for forcing his retirement from Westminster. Steen "unreservedly apologised" after declaring that the public had no right to "interfere" with his private life.

Cameron moved against Steen, who was told he would be stripped of the Tory whip unless he "shut up", after he appeared on Radio 4's The World at One to lash out at constituents who objected to his claim for the treatment of 500 trees in the grounds of his house.

"I've done nothing criminal, that's the most awful thing, and do you know what it's about? Jealousy," Steen said. "I've got a very, very large house. Some people say it looks like Balmoral. It's a merchant's house of the 19th century. It's not particularly attractive, it just does me nicely."

The Guardian