Labour MP Sandra Osborne has been caught up in the second home expenses scandal.

A national newspaper revealed the Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock MP spent £749 on a chair and stool - but she denied the purchase was "extravagant or luxurious".

The MP told the Chronicle she hadn"t claimed for another sofa, chair or suite in the last ten years. She admitted it was expensive but wouldn"t describe it as extravagant or luxurious.

Ms Osborne said: 'I don"t know London and I don"t shop there. I want to support local business so I buy most of my stuff locally and drive it down. Most of my other purchases are from Argos.' Yesterday (Tuesday 19) Commons Speaker Michael Martin unveiled emergency changes to expenses before quitting his post.

Ms Osborne continued: 'There"s an element of scapegoating, we all need to prove that we can do better.'