HEXHAM MP GUY Opperman has said he will not be claiming for a staff Christmas party.

It comes after MPs have been told - for the first time - that they can expense the cost of food and drink for staff Christmas parties to taxpayers.

The advice was issued by expenses watchdog Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) in response to frequently asked questions about how MPs and their staff can celebrate during the festive season.

IPSA confirmed that MPs can claim the costs of "food and refreshments for an office festive" in their parliamentary or constituency offices but warned, “no claims are allowed for alcohol”.

The cost of “festive decorations for their office” can also be claimed.

IPSA added: “There is discretion within budgets for some items, but we would remind MPs that claims should represent value for money, especially in the current economic climate, must be expressly parliamentary in nature and should not be party-political, campaigning, or self-promotional.”

Mr Opperman said he would not claim the money, adding: "No one asked for this and no MP I know will use it.

"The guidance wasn't made by MPs.

"It’s irresponsible of IPSA to issue this guidance when no MP asked for it or wanted it”.