RYEDALE MP John Greenway is reported to have spent hundreds of pounds of public money on plants for his former London home.

The Conservative has become the latest MP to be caught up in the expenses scandal at Westminster, following revelations in today's Daily Telegraph.

The newspaper reports that Mr Greenway spent £500 on petunias, geraniums, fuchsia and lobelia plants, a rose and a lavender bush for his second home, in south London.

He also reportedly spent more than £3,500 on household goods and furnishings, a £399 flat-screen television and crockery.

The Telegraph also reports that Mr Greenway claimed for a 59p box of matches; two 99p boxes of firelighters; eight mulled wine sachets; four bags of compost; a trellis; plant food; cups and saucers worth £44; a £24 lavatory brush; and a £30 casserole dish.

He is also reported to have claimed £1,900 to redecorate the hall, kitchen, bathroom and stairs of his home, in 2004/5 and 2005/6.

We have tried to contact Mr Greenway today on his mobile phone and office, but so far have not been able to.

He told the Telegraph: "All the claims which I have made over my 22 years in Parliament have been made in good faith and were approved by the fees office without query.

"The pattern of expenditure on my London home over a number of years has reflected precisely the expenditure and living costs that I pay for myself at my main home in North Yorkshire.

"The repairs and redecoration which I claimed for 2004 and 2005 were the first I claimed since buying the house and represent normal wear and tear on the property."

James Alexander, who will stand for Labour in York Outer at the next general election, said: "I meet people in York Outer losing their jobs, really struggling, and their Conservative MP is spending our money furnishing his London flat with flowers."

Mr Greenway announced last year that he was to stand down from Parliament at the next election.