Hitchin MP Bim Afolami claimed nearly £60,000 in expenses on top of his 'basic' £81k salary last year it has been revealed.

The Hitchin and Harpenden MP, who this week voted against children receiving free schools meals, claimed £59,704.43 for the tax year 2019/20.

A report accessed at www.mpsexpenses.info states that Mr Afolami collected the amount on top of his 'basic' salary of £81,932 – meaning the north Herts parliamentarian accepted £141,636.43 during the period.

In comparison, the list showed chancellor Rishi Sunak claimed £3,047 while PM Boris Johnson claimed £5,435.14.

Earlier this week Mr Afolami voted down proposals that would have seen more than 2,300 children in Hitchin and north Herts handed £15 food vouchers every week including Christmas.

Manchester United and England striker Marcus Rashford had been one of many across the country including Hitchin and north Herts pushing for free school meals for children during half term and beyond.

However, the Labour-led proposal, that could have meant youngsters would have also had free school meals up to next Easter was voted down 322 votes to 261 earlier this week.

Mr Afolami defended his position after the vote saying: "The government has put an additional £9 billion into the welfare system to combat poverty, including £63 million to help councils support families in need.

"This targeted support has provided 1.4 million children from low income families with free school meals.

"Opposition day motions cannot change policy. This vote was never designed to achieve anything constructive for the poorest in this country.

"As with many of these high-profile political stunts, scratch beneath the headline and you'll find evidence that the government is doing its best to support vulnerable people at this difficult time.

"The moral criticism that 'Tories don't care' is not at all reflected in my own tenets, nor my colleagues, nor the demonstratable track record of this government."

Of the 322 Tory MPs who voted against the move to ensure no child goes hungry over half term and beyond, Mr Afolami was the 26th highest claimant of tax payer expenses.

Kevin Hollinrake, Conservative MP for Thirsk and Malton claimed the largest amount of those who voted down the bill, receiving payment of £88,197.05.

Mr Afolami's office has been contacted for comment.