Figures released on Thursday showed that MPs claimed £78 million in expenses last year.

The claims, which were made by MPs to cover travel costs, run their offices and maintain second homes in their constituencies, equalled an average of £118,437 each - on top of their basic salary of £57,485 and pension provision.

The highest claimant was Claire Curtis-Thomas, the Labour MP for Crosby, who topped the list with £168,889.

She was followed by Keith Vaz, the former minister for Europe, with £164,265.

Tony Blair received £43,028 over three years towards the upkeep of his constituency home in County Durham.

A spokesman said: "The prime minister's expenses have been approved by the [House of Commons] fees office and all are within the Commons rules."

Sir Archy Kirkwood, the spokesman for the Commons commission that approved publication of the figures, said: "This is a significant step towards openness and accountability and I welcome it.

"It is the first time we have ever published so much information. The taxpayers can really see how their money is being spent."

Lords figures showed that peers with the highest attendance records received expenses of more than £30,000.

A separate report from the senior salaries review board, also published Thursday, awarded a below inflation pay rise of two per cent for MPs and ministers next year.