Disclosures about the expenses claims of two Cabinet ministers increased the pressure for reform from within the Government yesterday.

Geoff Hoon, the Transport Secretary, became the latest senior figure to become embroiled when it was revealed that he had used parliamentary allowances to run his constituency home while living rent-free in a Whitehall apartment and renting out his London flat.

Meanwhile Jacqui Smith, the Home Secretary, who faced ridicule last week over the disclosure that she had claimed for the cost of her husband watching two pornographic films, was reported to have claimed for a £304 barbecue, garden patio set and heater as part of her second-home allowance.

As Defence Secretary, Mr Hoon lived in an Admiralty House residence for 3½ years while the property registered with the Commons authorities as his “main” home was let to a private tenant. That meant the MP for Ashfield was able to claim about £50,000 in allowances for the running of his constituency house in Derby by designating that as his second home. Mr Hoon insisted that he had acted according to Commons guidelines.

Nick Clegg, the Liberal Democrat leader, said the suggestion that it had been within the rules would serve only to convince the public that the rules needed to be changed. “It is clearly barmy for ministers to indulge in a form of double-counting that enables them to enjoy two homes at the taxpayer’s expense,” he said.

Gordon Brown is to hold talks on the issue with Mr Clegg and David Cameron. However, while the Conservatives are calling for immediate action, Mr Brown believes that any changes should be based on a Standards and Privileges Committee report.

Money Central: the 10 most outrageous MP expense claims ever

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