A SENIOR Liverpool Liberal Democrat last night defended his expense claims over payments for overnight stays in London.

Mossley Hill councillor Richard Kemp admitted claiming for overnight expenses while staying in London, despite owning a flat there.

Cllr Kemp, who is also vice- chairman of the Local Government Association (LGA) and a senior Liberal Democrat, travels regularly to the capital and said the trip is “not commutable”.

He owns a flat in Brixton and admitted to a Sunday newspaper claiming expenses from the LGA for overnight stays in London, as well as for travelling.

Cllr Kemp said: "I have never made any secret that I spend a lot of time in London, so I need a base there.

"I have done nothing wrong, even the article says I have done nothing wrong, except it spreads a little poison.

"I am the only person holding Pickles and Shapps to account because the Conservatives don't do it."

He said his outspoken criticism of the Department of Communities and Local Government had made him a target for smears.