Khalid Mahmood's charity gesture after hotel storm

Jun 10 2009 by Jonathan Walker, Birmingham Mail

But Mr Mahmood added: “I am donating for the nine days that I stayed with my partner because I understand the anger that is out there.

“I have done nothing wrong in Parliamentary terms. But there is anger in the constituency, and I understand why... I get it.”

The MP intends to donate £1,000 from his own pocket to the Birmingham Mail Charity Trust, which makes grants to community groups and local, volunteer-led good causes in the Birmingham area.

He will also donate £700 to the George Coller Memorial Fund, which aims to raise awareness about asthma and improve healthcare for children suffering with the condition.

The fund was set up Kim Douglas, from Great Barr, whose son George died aged three due to asthma in 1996.

He added: “My constituents feel angry about the way the expenses system, and about the way some MPs have abused the system, especially during the economic downturn when things are tough.

“I have always tried to do the best I can for the people of Perry Barr.

“I am grateful to the Birmingham Mail for this opportunity to put the record straight.

“Even when I haven’t broken any rules, I know how it can come across.”

Mr Mahmood rented a flat between 2004 and 2008, but now uses hotels again because it is cheaper.

He said: “It means I only pay for the nights I am in London, rather than renting a property all year round.

“When the figures for 2009 come out, my claim will be one of the smallest because I am only staying in a hotel when I need to.”

Mr Mahmood said that MPs who need second homes in London should be provided with a flat in a specially-built hostel.

He added: “That would be a civilised way of doing it which cuts out this nonsense about expenses.”

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