EAST Lothian’s MP has hit back after coming under fire for “hypocrisy over expenses” from rival politicians.

East Lothian’s Labour Party criticised George Kerevan (SNP) after it emerged that he was using Parliamentary expenses to pay his wife as his personal assistant, while claiming to forgo some of his MP salary.

Mr Kerevan hit back, though, and claimed his wife’s experience meant she was the best candidate for the job.

The opposition party also highlighted that other pledges by Mr Kerevan, who succeeded Labour’s Fiona O’Donnell as East Lothian MP in the General Election last year, had fallen by the wayside, including commitments to open offices in every town.

Pat O’Brien, vice-chairman of East Lothian’s Labour Party, told the Courier: “This latest development on expenses will come as a real shock to many people who voted for the SNP last May thinking it was for a different kind of politics.

“Mr Kerevan styled himself as a crusader against greedy MPs at Westminster.

“But within days of being elected he was flying first-class to London, something his Labour predecessor never did in five years.

“Now we find out that he is employing his wife as his personal assistant, after having slated other MPs for their irresponsible approach to expenses.

“This may be within the rules, but it is hypocrisy, plain and simple.”

The SNP East Lothian MP told the Courier that his wife, Angela, worked for him as diary secretary, PA and constituency troubleshooter.

Similarly, he pointed out that any jobs were advertised and open to anyone to apply for.

He added: “Such is the nonsensical, 19th-century way in which Westminster works – with its far from family-friendly hours and crazy, last-minute changes in schedules – that an MP’s diary is constantly in flux.

“I made the judgement that having Angela do the 24/7 job of coordinating my schedule was the most efficient and cost-effective way of doing things while still ensuring we actually saw each other.

“My staff appointments are advertised and Angela was appointed through competitive interview.

“Previously she worked for the Hansard Society for seven years and probably knows more about the workings of Parliament than I do.

“Her salary is £20,000.

“Like MPs of all parties, I write regular columns for newspapers, which I consider to be a part of my job as it communicates directly with the public.

“Incidentally, I write weekly columns for two papers owned by the group which publishes the Courier.

“I’m paid for these columns, which is only right otherwise I’d be putting professional journalists out of a job.

“However, I either use the money for supporting my work for constituents or donate it to charity.

“I am exceedingly proud to have re-established the main office of the MP in Haddington, our county’s capital.

“I’m helping to fund a second hub in Musselburgh, our major population centre, where I will soon be holding surgeries.

“My aim is to give all the people of East Lothian the best service possible.”