Smith fury with husband over ‘adult film’ expenses claim
The home secretary has apologised after filing an incorrect expenses claim for a television package allegedly including adult films.
Jacqui Smith “mistakenly” claimed the £67 bill under her Commons expenses last June while submitting a bill for a broadband connection.
And she is said to be have given her husband an “ear-bashing” after it was reported the bill included two “additional features” – a euphemism used for adult films, the Sunday Express newspaper reported.
Speaking outside the couple’s house in Worcestershire, Ms Smith’s husband Richard Timney said: “I’m really sorry for any embarrassment I have caused Jacqui.
“I can fully understand why people might be angry and offended by this.
“Quite obviously a claim should never have been made for these films, and as you know that money is being paid back.”
The 18-rated features which cost £5 each were viewed on April 1st and April 6th last year, when Ms Smith was not at her family home in her Redditch constituency.
The bill also included viewings of the film’s Ocean’s 13 and Surf’s Up, at £3.75 each.
In a statement to the Sunday newspaper, Ms Smith said: “I am sorry that in claiming for my internet connection, I mistakenly claimed for a television package alongside it.
“As soon as the matter was brought to my attention, I took immediate steps to contact the relevant parliamentary authorities and rectify the situation.
“All money claimed for the television package will be paid back in full.”
However, she is said to be privately furious with her husband, who it is suggested ordered the adult films.
The news comes shortly after she came under fire for claiming taxpayer-funded housing allowances for her constituency home despite her sister’s house being classed as her main residence.
