Danczuk has claimed over £200,000 in expenses

Danczuk's £200,000+ expenses claim included £2 for a box of tissues

Simon Danczuk's total expenses claim has significantly increased, figures released by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa) reveal.

The Rochdale MP's claim increased by over £27,000 compared with the previous year - he claimed £202,365.95 in 2015/16 compared to £175,003.59 in 2014/15.

His claim was the fifth highest of all English MPs.

Mr Danczuk took on his ex-wife, Karen - who he had previously employed before they separated - during the year as a 'caseworker'. Ispa figures show he paid her 'between £5,000 and £10,000' for her part-time role.

His claims included £2 for a box of tissues and £5 for flowers "purchased for remembrance ceremony". He also claimed £129.99 for a TV for his office.

Mr Danczuk's penchant for first class travel saw him claim a whopping £15,522.88 in travel expenses compared to neighbouring MP for Heywood and Middleton, Liz McInnes, who claimed just £3,513.55.

The Rochdale MP also costs taxpayers significantly more for his accommodation than Ms McInnes, claiming £23,932.46 compared to £13,629.57.

In total, Ms McInnes, claimed £157,175.98, some £45,000 less than Danczuk in the same period.

Earlier this year, Mr Danczuk was ordered by IPSA to repay £11,583.20 he claimed in accommodation costs for two children who did not "routinely" live with him.

An Ipsa investigation concluded: "The evidence points overwhelmingly to the conclusion that the MP obtained an increase to his accommodation expenditure budget by claiming dependant uplifts for his two oldest children for a period of over three years, when, at no point were either of the children routinely resident.

"The compliance officer must also conclude that this was done knowing that there was no reasonable prospect of the children staying at the accommodation."

As a result, Mr Danczuk's expense claims are currently the subject of a Metropolitan Police investigation.

Both MPs have been invited to comment.