SIR Michael Spicer is the latest MP to be hit by the expenses scandal after the taxpayer paid for his "helipad", a chandelier and a chimney sweep.

It has been revealed by a national newspaper that the MP for west Worcestershire, who is chair of the influential 1922 Committee of back bench MPs, claimed £620 for the installation of a chandelier and rewiring work and more than £1,000 for servicing an oven.

In December 2006 he handed in a detailed invoice which included the words "hedge cutting... helipad" although he claimed to The Daily Telegraph last night that the helipad was "a family joke". He also claimed more than £5,650 for gardening work at his Worcestershire manor house, as well as £4,000 for council tax on two homes.

Other items reportedly claimed for included £3,000 for roof repairs and £2,350 for work on his chimney. He claimed an extra £47 for a chimney sweep while logs for the fire cost the taxpayer £60.

The embarrassing revelations about other MPs' allowances - which also include an expense claim for horse manure - come amid evidence that the controversy has hit confidence in both main parties.

According to the Daily Telegraph's disclosures from the leaked expenses receipts, Michael Ancram, James Arbuthnot, and Stewart Jackson claimed for maintenance of swimming pools.