Jacqui Smith faces new grilling for barbecue and garden patio set
London, Apr 6 : British Home Secretary Jacqui Smith is once again in the news after she claimed 200 pounds in expenses to buy a barbecue and garden patio set.
Smith, 46, who earns 142,000 pounds a year, also billed taxpayers for 335 pounds worth of plant pots.
The items are said to be a part of the "scandalous" 150,000 pounds she has drawn in second home costs since 2001.
The Home Secretary is already under fire after she made claims for two 5 pounds porn films watched by hubby Richard Timney.
She has also claimed 12,000 pounds for cleaning, almost 12,000 pounds a year in mortgage interest, 1,728 pounds council tax, and 430 pounds in power and water bills.
Fellow MPs say that Smith is doing only what many others do and is not breaking rules.
"Jacqui uses her constituency home to host events," the Sun quoted one as saying.
However, Matthew Elliott of the TaxPayers' Alliance has said that the amount is outrageous.
"The size and scope of these claims are scandalous," he added. (ANI)