COLCHESTER MP Sir Bob Russell says he is spending thousands of pounds of his own money to run his office.

The veteran Lib Dem claimed £166,576 in expenses last year – the most of any of north Essex’s MPs.

He exceeded his staff budget by £3,200, spending £140,486.

Figures released by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority show MPs are now claiming even more than they did at the height of the 2009 expenses scandal.

However, Sir Bob said last year he had subsidised his work to the tune of £5,000 last year and was set to pay a further £3,286 from his own pocket this year because staff salaries could not be claimed as part of MPs’ expenses.

He said he asked the standards authority for a supplementary grant but was refused.

He added: “I am going to do the best I can and if this means I have to subsidise it from my own pocket, then that will happen.

“I am not going to cut back on my work or the level of service.

“I have a team of four, without whom I could not possibly do what I do.

“The standards authority suggested I should make one member of staff redundant, but that would make matters worse.”

Sir Bob said his office operated six days a week and he often puts in 80-hours a week.

The MP added: “I’m not complaining.

I love being MP for my home town. I’m just pointing out the reality of a job which, in terms of time commitment, has increased dramatically in recent years.”

Former Clacton MP Douglas Carswell claimed a lot more in expenses last year, after taking on more staff.

Mr Carswell, who defected to Ukip, resigned his seat and triggered a by-election, claimed £165,990 – the year before, he claimed £150,842.

His staffing costs increased from £115,000 to £126,549.

Mr Carswell said: “I hired more staff to cope with the extra workload. Specifically, I hired a full-time audio-typist, because I deal personally with every letter I get and therefore dictate many letters.

“My wife, Clementine, works part-time as my diary secretary, managing my constituency meetings and appointments, and helping ensure I am available.

“I have always been open and frank about the fact.”

Witham MP Priti Patel claimed £152,470, Braintree member Brooks Newmark claimed £142,132 and Harwich and North Essex MP Bernard Jenkin claimed £134,090.

The standards authority says about 90 per cent of expenses claimed went on staff and office costs, but believes stricter regulation after the scandal has saved taxpayers £58million.