Scottish Secretary David Mundell is among nine cabinet ministers to have had their credit cards suspended for wrong, incomplete or late claims, newly released figures have revealed.
In all, 377 MPs have had their parliamentary credit cards blocked over issues with expenses claims since 2015.
The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA), set up in the wake of the expenses scandal 10 years ago, initially tried to claim the information should not be released because it could hinder the operation of the expenses system.
However, a former high court judge reversed the decision and released the information to the Daily Telegraph on appeal, saying that the risk of “embarrassing” MPs was no reason to keep the information secret.
Energy minister Claire Perry admitted wrongly using her parliamentary credit card to pay for her Amazon Prime subscription.
Other cabinet ministers subject to suspensions include Amber Rudd, Stephen Barclay, Greg Clark, Chris Grayling, Robert Buckland, Rory Stewart, Jeremy Wright and David Mundell.
A spokesman for Mr Mundell said: “IPSA, the body responsible for overseeing expenses, provides each MP with a credit card.
“At the end of each month, the expenses on the card are reconciled with receipts provided.
“In 2016, Mr Mundell’s card was suspended following a delay in obtaining and submitting receipts to IPSA.
“In 2018, the card was suspended following a delay in authorising a member of staff to submit receipts directly to IPSA on behalf of Mr Mundell.
“On the first occasion, the card was suspended for seven days, on the second for five days.
“Since the introduction of the IPSA payment card system, Mr Mundell has submitted all relevant receipts and expenses have always been refunded in full.
“The card has not been misused and there is no suggestion of impropriety.”
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and deputy Labour leader Tom Watson were also among those to have had their cards suspended.
A Labour spokesman said: “Our MPs’ offices rectify all such administrative issues as soon as they are identified.”
