A Kent Conservative MP has criticised the use of public money to allow MPs to pay for newsletters and other communications.

Tonbridge and Malling MP Sir John Stanley is one of three in the county who have refused to accept any money for what are known as "communications allowances" as part of their expenses for 2007-2008. The other two were Hugh Robertson, Faversham and Mid Kent MP and Ann Widdecombe, Maidstone and Weald MP.

Sir John, who accepted the smallest sum of all 17 Kent MPs overall at £98,052, said there was no need for MPs to spend public money on what he described as political propaganda.

"I voted against the idea because I do not consider it to be justified. It is a way of using taxpayers’ money for engaging in political propaganda," he said.

Kent MPs together claimed £113,000 in communications allowances. Gravesham MP Adam Holloway received the most - £21,063 - but explained he used much of that to pay more to his office staff, which is permitted under House of Commons rules.

The next highest claimant was Chatham and Aylesford MP Jonathan Shaw (Lab), who received £14,755, followed by Dartford MP Dr Howard Stoate (Lab) who received £11,252. Dr Steve Ladyman, Thanet South MP, accepted £10,070. Ashford MP Damian Green received £7,536, the second highest sum of any Kent Conservative MP.

Sir John, who said he tried to keep his allowances to a minimum, added that he hoped people would accept that a review needed to take into account that MPs were now busier than ever.

He said: "I hope any review comes to conclusions that enable MPs to continue to do their job for their constituents."

Earlier this week, it was revealed that Kent MPs had been paid nearly £2.2million in allowances in 2007-2008.

Gordon Brown has asked for a review amid a growing backlash about the sums paid out.

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