In the year before his conviction for expenses fraud shamed Eric Illsley had the second highest MPs' expenses claim, new figures show.
His allowances between May last year and February when he stepped down as an MP were £151,245.75.
That included almost £39,000 in a winding up payment. He said the inclusion of that made his total appear higher than others.
He yesterday told the Chronicle it was used to settle office bills and meet staff redundancy payments.
"I did not get any of that money. It is an allowance for members who are stepping down to pay off outstanding contracts. It was all for contractual payments."
Annual claims by other Barnsley MPs were: Angela Smith, £133,737.78; Michael Dugher, £117,278.53; John Healey, £132,463.79; Dan Jarvis, £530.10.
Full story in the Chronicle tomorrow.
