THE MPs’ expenses scandal claimed another victim last night, when Tory Sir Peter Viggers announced he would quit at the next election over a massive taxpayer-funded gardening bill.
Sir Peter, the MP for Gosport, was told to retire or be thrown out of the party by leader David Cameron after his claims – including one for a £1,645 floating “duck island” for his pond – were published by The Daily Telegraph.
Tory sources said Sir Peter, the third Tory MP to say he will step down over expenses claims, would also repay a sum – believed to be in five figures.
Meanwhile, Tory whip Bill Wiggin blamed an administrative error for £11,000 in claims for mortgage interest on the wrong home – insisting he had not benefited financially.
The newspaper said he had declared his constituency home in Ledbury, Herefordshire, as his second home but claimed mortgage payments that matched his London property.
