COLCHESTER MP Bob Russell has defended claiming £82 for toilet rolls on expenses.

The Lib Dem, who bought them for use in his constituency office in Wimpole Road, was labelled “Bog-roll Russell” in a national newspaper.

He said the bulk buy, reported in Friday’s Gazette, saved money and was from a charity called Operation Loo Roll.

About 12 per cent will go towards Starlight Children’s Foundation, which helps make the dreams of seriously and terminally-ill children come true.

He said: “It is usual for employers to provide soap, toilet rolls etc, for their employees. So, not only did I save the public purse money with the bulk purchase, it also helped this worthy charity.”

The £82.13 claim was among those submitted between May 7 and August 31 and released by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority last week. Mr Russell criticised the Gazette and other media for reporting the claim, which was also highlighted on social networking site Twitter.

Mr Russell is among MPs unhappy with the new expenses scrutiny system.

During a debate in the House of Commons, Mr Russell suggested staff at the standards authority had leaked expenses claims made by MPs, which were then used to ridicule them, a claim later denied by Ipsa.

MPs have criticised the new authority for tightening the rules so much they have to spend time submitting claims which would be better used supporting constituents.

Mr Russell told Parliament: “It has been estimated the equivalent of 100 full-time MPs’ staff jobs are now devoted to dealing with Ipsa affairs – it is as serious as that.”