Yet another Conservative MEP in expenses trouble

Via The Sunday Times:

One of Britain’s least active MEPs has been receiving more than £40,000 a year for office expenses despite having no office in his constituency.

David Sumberg, a Conservative MEP for the North West of England, has already declared he pays £54,000 a year for secretarial support from his wife.

Since the current European parliament was elected in 2004, Sumberg has made just two set-piece speeches and 12 one-minute “explanations of votes”. He has tabled five questions and sits on a committee but has not written any of its reports or tabled any resolutions.

“If there was a competition for laziest MEP in Britain I don’t doubt he would make the shortlist,” said Chris Davies, a Liberal Democrat MEP who also represents the North West…

Sumberg’s decision not to maintain an office in the northwest was described as an “insult” to voters by Davies, who added: “David Sumberg represents a region of 7m people, bigger than 10 member states of the European Union.

“Most people would expect an MEP in receipt of such generous expenses would maintain an office in a region of this importance.”