British Chancellor Alistair Darling suffered a fresh embarrassment today when he admitted getting his figures wrong over how much he had over claimed in expenses.
Embattled Mr Darling, who is responsible for the nation’s finances, said in a round of broadcast interviews last night that he was repaying £350 for service charges on his London flat.
But an aide confirmed today that the true sum was nearly double that at £668. “He was told the wrong information before he went on the television,” the aide explained.
Mr Darling insists he “accidentally” claimed too much due to paying bills in advance in 2007. He then became Chancellor and moved into grace-and-favour accommodation in Downing Street.
The error meant he was effectively receiving allowances against two properties simultaneously, which is not permitted under Commons rules.