Halstead's MP claimed nearly £16,000 more in expenses last year compared with the previous year.

Brooks Newmark, who was promoted to Government as Minister for Civil Society in July, spent £142,132, including £110,016 on staff in 2013/14.

He spent £126,230 in 2012/13.

The most he has claimed in the last four years was £138,922 in 2011/12.

The figures were released by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) this week.

See this week's Halstead Gazette for the full story.