BRITAIN’S MPs finally agreed yesterday to scrap the infamous “John Lewis list” when they furnish their second homes – but they can still spend up to £2,400 per year on household goods.
They voted for a strict cap on kitchen equipment and electrical goods funded by the taxpayer, just two weeks after sparking public anger by refusing to reform their much-criticised expenses system.
But Labour MPs threw out a much tougher Conservative motion to ban any spending on furniture – thereby restricting it to utility bills, council tax and mortgage interest or rent. It was defeated by 295 votes to 238.
Labour backbencher Rob Marris spoke for many when he protest- ed: “I do not think my constituents expect me to live in an unfurnish- ed bedsit. My constit- uents do not expect me to sleep on the floor.”
But Theresa May, the Conservative Shadow Leader of the House, said Labour MPs were “replacing the John Lewis list with the Ikea list”.
