18 Oct 2012

Sharples's expenses exceed Prime Minister's

8:30 pm on 18 October 2012

The Maori Party co-leader and government minister Pita Sharples spent more on domestic travel and accommodation in the past three months than the Prime Minister did.

The latest details of MPs and ministers' expenses from July to the end of September have been released. They include accommodation while in Wellington, and travel around the country.

Dr Sharples, the MP for Tamaki Makaurau, spent $55,355 on car travel for himself, his spouse and his staff, and $77,831 all up.

That compares with $77,652 spent by the Prime Minister, John Key.

Mana Party leader Hone Harawira topped the expenses for MPs, spending $45,127 on travel and accommodation.