BRIDGWATER and West Somerset MP Ian Liddell-Grainger claimed double the amount of expenses of his Taunton constituency counterpart Jeremy Browne in September and October last year.

While Mr Liddell-Grainger was paid £22,271 for claims processed in the two months, Mr Browne, whose constituency includes areas such as Lydeard St Lawrence, Bagborough and Wiveliscombe, received £11,434.

Details published last Thursday (February 3) by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa) reveal Mr Liddell-Grainger also had a £262.80 claim for "constituency travel" refused due to "insufficient evidence".

However, a subsequent £251.60 claim two days later and accompanied by unpublished notes was paid.

In all, Mr Liddell-Grainger claimed for 75 "own car" expenses dating back over a number of months, averaging around £70 a journey for travel between London and his home in Bicknoller.

There were also cheaper trips elsewhere around the constituency - including several 45-mile trips from his home to Minehead.

He also had two rail journeys totalling just over £200, a £616 bill for an HP Laserjet printer from Williton's Edward Martin Computer Services and £2,408 in "pooled staffing services".

Mr Browne claimed for a £998 photocopier and numerous petty cash items for under £10 from local shops.

He had no payments refused and did not claim for any staffing costs or own accommodation rent.

Mr Browne made nine "own car" journeys and claimed for 11 rail fares averaging around £160 each.

Both Mr Liddell-Grainger and Mr Browne claimed for telephones, office rents and constituency expenses.

Mr Browne is a Minister for State in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and Mr Liddell-Grainger is the chairman of a number of all-party groups, including the taxation, pharmaceutical and dyslexia and special learning difficulties groups.