A GOVERNMENT minister has claimed £30,000 on hotel stays in London over the past two years, despite owning two homes in Essex.

Former Brentwood Council leader Brandon Lewis has been MP for Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, since 2010 and was appointed housing minister a year ago.

As well as a property in his constituency, Mr Lewis also owns his family home in Chelmsford and another house in Shenfield, which he rents out.

Neighbours told the Sunday Times Mr Lewis rarely stayed at his Great Yarmouth home, instead spending most of his time in Chelmsford.

But figures published by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority show the Tory politician claimed for 205 London hotel stays at a rate of £150 per night.

The claims amounted to £14,850 in 2014/15 and £15,900 in 2013/14, despite his Chelmsford home being only 35 minutes from London by train.

Mr Lewis’ former family home in Shenfield, which he now rents out, is in Brentwood and Ongar constituency, which is one of 96 seats in and around London where MPs are banned from claiming for accommodation.

But both Chelmsford and Great Yarmouth fall outside of this area, meaning politicians are allowed to claim for hotel stays.

Mr Lewis said: “Every expense claim is entirely in accordance with the rules and approved by IPSA.”