What Kent's MPs claimed in 2007-2008. Source: House of Commons

by political editor Paul Francis

Kent MPs claimed nearly £2.2million in allowances last year - an average of nearly £130,000 each.

Official figures show that the county's 17 MPs together claimed £2,197,769 in various allowances, including £320,698 in second homes allowances.

There is mounting pressure on MPs over their expenses and Gordon Brown has asked a parliamentary watchdog to review the entire system.

It comes amid a backlash against the sums being claimed for MPs who use second homes when at Westminster.

Their allowance can be used to pay household bills, TV subscriptions and council tax.

The highest overall sum claimed was by Labour's Sittingbourne and Sheppey MP Derek Wyatt (pictured right), who received £152,164, which included £23,063 for a second home.

The next highest sum was claimed by Chatham and Aylesford MP Jonathan Shaw (Lab) who claimed £148,333. The lowest sum claimed by any MP was Tonbridge and Malling MP Sir John Stanley at £96,206.

~ See the allowance claims for all MPs at the UK Parliament website >>>

In Kent, nine MPs claimed close to the £23,803 they are entitled to for covering second home costs, including several of those who live closest to Westminster.

Michael Fallon, the Sevenoaks MP whose constituency is about 27 miles from Westminster, claimed £22,853. Adam Holloway, the Gravesham MP whose constituency is 25 miles from Westminster, claimed £22,587.

Two junior government ministers also claimed close to the maximum permitted for second homes. Chatham and Aylesford MP Jonathan Shaw claimed £21,254 and Gillingham MP and transport minister Paul Clark claimed £22,204.

In contrast, the smallest sum claimed for a second home was by the Maidstone and Weald MP Ann Widdecombe, at £858. And Conservative MP Roger Gale, whose Thanet South constituency is among the furthest from Westminster, claimed £9,375.

In other figures that have been released for the first time, Kent MPs claimed £1,530 for the travel costs of members of their families. Canterbury MP Julian Brazier claimed £397 for 30 journeys taken by his wife. Overall, he claimed £550 for 50 journeys made by family members.

Tunbridge Wells MP Greg Clark claimed £269 for 16 journeys made by his wife; Folkestone and Hythe MP Michael Howard claimed £99 for nine journeys; Dover MP Gwyn Prosser £418 for 15 journeys and Faversham and Mid Kent MP Hugh Robertson claimed £170 for 11. Chatham and Aylesford MP Jonathan Shaw claimed £24 for two such journeys.

Under the allowances scheme, MPs' wives and husbands can claim for up to 30 single journeys made between London and their constituency or main home.

Kent MPs also claimed £113,358 for meeting the costs of producing newsletters and other communications with constituents.