Tory MP Johnny Mercer accused over £3,500 expenses claim for five iMacs

Newcomer: former soldier Johnny Mercer denied “playing games with expenses” when he bought the computers for Commons office
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A Conservative MP came under fire today for buying five Apple iMacs on his Commons expenses.

Johnny Mercer spent £3,596 on the stylish computers after being elected as MP for Plymouth Moor View, official records revealed.

The former soldier has protested about spending levels in his constituency and recently complained: “We do need more.”

But critics said he could have saved a fortune by investing in ordinary PCs.

Jonathan Isaby, chief executive of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, said: “Since most people would deem it extravagant for an MP to buy a single iMac on expenses, buying five seems totally excessive.

“Of course politicians need office equipment and computers to help them and their staff do their jobs, but how can an MP justify purchasing premium products which most of his constituents probably cannot afford for themselves?

“MPs must never forget when making claims that they are spending taxpayers’ money and they should spend it as carefully as if it were their own. They should also remember that their equipment and expenses budgets represent a limit, not a target.”

Mr Mercer, who has said he will give away his £7,000 pay rise this year, insisted: “I have not been extravagant. We set up an office from scratch. We made the decision that we could work most effectively for my constituents using this brand of computer.”

He added: “It’s not about playing games with expenses but delivering for my constituents. That’s what the set-up budget is for.”

A spokesman for the MP later said the cost per machine of about £720 was cheaper than desktop computers offered to MPs by the House of Commons’ official supplier.

The latest list of MP expenses shows that several have a taste for Apple computers and iPhones.

The chairman of the Treasury Select Committee Andrew Tyrie spent £699 on an iPhone and £54.95 on Apple headphones and a phone case.

Labour former minister Liam Byrne bought a £749 computer at a branch of the Apple Store. And defeated Lib-Dem Paul Burstow charged £312.73 to repair a “broken Apple Mac” in winding-up expenses after he lost his seat.

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