Brightlingsea's MP, Sir Bernard Jenkin, claimed nearly £170,589 for office costs, staffing, accommodation and travel in the 2019-20 financial year, according to figures released by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Office.

The expenses were on top of the Harwich and North Essex constituency MP's salary of just under £88,949, which includes £9,480.93 for his role as the chair of the Commons Liason Committee.

Over the year, Sir Bernard claimed £7,406.99 for office costs, £152,901.76 for staff wages, £7,640 for rent and £2,640.07 for travel expenses, of which £821.17 was for staff travel. The total claim was up £7,001 on the 2018-19 financial year. Details of his expenses can be found on the IPSA website.

Total claims for the 2019/20 year by other MPs in mid and north Essex were:

• Will Quince (Colchester) – £156,274
• Giles Watling (Clacton) – £152,125
• Priti Patel (Witham) – £177,718
• John Whittingdale (Maldon) – £186,307
• James Cleverley (Braintree) – £190,288