Esther McVey claims expenses to rent flat while husband lets out nearby home

'Minister for common sense' who has criticised Whitehall waste is said to have received £39,000 in two years UK politics - latest updates A cabinet minister who has criticised Whitehall waste has claimed tens of thousands of pounds in expenses to rent a London flat despite her husband owning a property a mile away. Esther McVey, who was appointed "minister for common sense" last year, has received £39,000 in taxpayers' money to rent the flat over the last two years. She lives there with her hu...