MPs for Dorset and the New Forest claimed more than £1million worth of expenses last year, latest figures reveal.

The eight local politicians were responsible for £1,009,561 of the total expenses bill of £87.6million.

Chris Chope, MP for Christchurch, claimed the most at £138,436, marginally higher than South Dorset MP Jim Knight at £137,970.

At the bottom end of the scale is Desmond Swayne, MP for New Forest West, who claimed £91,737.

Other MPs' claims were all very similar. Bournemouth East MP Tobias Ellwood claimed £124,884 while his Conservative colleague in Bournemouth West Sir John Butterfill claimed £129,379.

Poole MP Robert Syms' claim was £129,034 while Annette Brooke, who represents Mid Dorset and North Poole, claimed £125,392. Bob Walter, MP for North Dorset, claimed £132,729.

The payments are in addition to an MP's basic salary of £59,686 and pension, and have been slammed by the TaxPayers' Alliance.

Even Mr Swayne said he was against a number of the expenses MPs could claim, including the new £10,000-a-year for communication, and added: "To be perfectly honest with you, I think we're paying too much and it's not all necessary.

"I think we could have a more effective parliament at a lower cost."

But Mr Chope said he represented good value for money and added: "If you are a reasonably active MP then you will incur expenses."

And Nick Harvey MP, who is on the members' estimate committee, agreed: "As well as playing a vital role in the House of Commons in debates, law making and scrutiny, MPs have to undertake frequent journeys between the constituency and Westminster and elsewhere.

"They also have to ensure that offices are fully staffed and properly equipped and provide the level of support and communication increasingly expected and demanded by constituents," he added.