St Albans MP Anne Main's second home claims which have been revealed in her expenses - seen by the Review - have drawn a barrage of criticism from people of all political persuasions.

Tory MP Anne Main, whose main home is just 24 miles away in Baeconsfield, Buckinghamshire, has, since she was elected in May 2005, clammed on a second home she shares with her daughter in central St Albans.

Roma Mills, the Labour parliamentary candidate for the district, said: “I can fully understand that people need to be able to get into London if you live a long way away from your constituency, so I understand you need somewhere to stay.

“But I am not sure that if you live in Buckinghamshire you need a second home in St Albans. A lot of MPs feel they should live in their constituency, but it seems a bit odd for her to have her main home in Buckinghamshire, it should be in St Albans.

“She actually lives near enough to remain a presence in her constituency for example attending meetings. It just does not stack up. "Is there any need for Mrs Main to own a home in her constituency?"

Mrs Mills' Lib Dem counterpart Sandy Walkington added: "I've spent a lot of time time talking to local residents and they are bewildered and, quite frankly, very angry that an MP should have a second home at taxpayers' expense.

"Many of them commute to London, and many of those now retired travelled into London and they came home. They don't see why MPs, now that there are family friendly hours in parliament, should be any different."