GLYN Davies MP continues to employ his wife at a cost of up to £43,000 to the taxpayer, despite newly elected MPs being banned from doing the same.

The news comes after the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) said the hiring of “connected parties” was “out of step with modern employment practice” and banned the practice for non-returning MPs following June’s General Election.

However, the Register of Members’ Financial Interests shows 122 returning MPs, including Montgomeryshire MP Glyn Davies – who employs his wife Bobbie as a ‘senior secretary’ – continue to employ a relative.

MPs can pay family members up to £43,000 a year, according to IPSA.

Mr Davies, who earned a salary of £73,284 in the 2015/16 financial year, claimed a total of £175,628.37 in expenses in the same year, including £126,803.47 for staffing costs and £20,565.09 for accommodation.

Mr Davies’ declaration of interests shows the MP owns four properties over the value of £100,000 and/or giving rental income of £10,000 a year.

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