Can we afford our Labour MP Harry Cohen?

9.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 8th Apr 2009

It has been revealed that Labour MP for Leyton and Wanstead Harry Cohen, claimed £104,701 in the past five years for a second home - the highest claim for any London MP. He has a house in Wanstead and another in Colchester. Constituents struggling to meet their mortgage repayments,or trying to save for a 30% deposit to get onto the housing ladder. crease in their rents or finding the interest on their savings dwindling must be wondering "WHY?" Given that MPs can also claim for travel to work, why do those who live less than 60 miles from London need second homes at the taxpayers' expense.