BREAKING: David Lammy has claimed almost £7,000 in taxpayer-funded expenses to cover accountancy fees for completing his tax returns, new figures show

David Lammy has claimed almost £7,000 in taxpayer-funded expenses to cover accountancy fees for completing his tax returns, new figures show.

The Foreign Secretary expensed £6,989 for professional help with his tax affairs, making him the biggest claimant for accountancy costs among Cabinet ministers.

The payments were made through parliamentary expenses and covered specialist support to prepare and submit tax returns, according to records seen by The Telegraph.

Mr Lammy’s total was significantly higher than any other senior minister, with most Cabinet members claiming little or nothing for similar services.

The revelation comes amid ongoing scrutiny of MPs’ expenses and broader political debate around tax, public spending and cost-of-living pressures facing households across the UK.

Opposition figures have questioned why a senior Cabinet minister required thousands of pounds of public money for personal tax matters, while supporters argue MPs are entitled to claim legitimate professional costs under parliamentary rules.

Expenses rules allow MPs to claim for accountancy services where these relate to their role and financial arrangements as elected representatives.

The Foreign Office has not disputed the figures, and there is no suggestion the claims breached parliamentary guidelines.

The disclosure adds to wider criticism faced by the Government over spending decisions and transparency, particularly as ministers continue to urge fiscal restraint across public services.

More details on the expenses breakdown are expected to emerge following further examination of parliamentary records.