On Monday 18 May I invited the Manchester Evening News to look at all my claims and receipts for the 4 years from 2004 to 2008. Given the partial report that appeared on 19 May I think it is important that I offer an explanation to my constituents.

I don’t regret opening the books because I think the first step to rebuilding trust between MPs and voters is straightforward honesty.

People are very angry. I understand that and do not seek to justify a rotten system that has brought politics into deep disrepute.

Every MP has to find a way of combining family life with work in London. Some stay in hotels, others rent or buy.

My family home is in Manchester. I have lived in the same house since 1988. I bought a house in London after my election in 1997. Both are modest terraced houses.

All my claims for furniture, fittings and decoration have simply paid for replacements for items that were broken or worn out. Almost half the total claimed over 4 years was for a replacement kitchen in my London home. It is a standard £3k B&Q kitchen which cost a similar amount to install. I do not have an extravagant lifestyle but, like most of my constituents I do have decent standards. Of course, any expense in relation to my main home – my family home – comes out of my own pocket.

One accusation in the MEN article that I object to strongly is the reference to “flipping”. As people have come to understand this term it implies that I switched the designation of my main home and second home in order to sell and make a profit.

From 1997 my London home was classed as my second home. When I became a minister in 2003 I was instructed to change the arrangement on the basis that ministers had to live in London. It was, of course, a complete nonsense that my family home was described as my second home and eventually the rule was redrawn and I was able to change back. I have never sought to sell either of my houses and my main home for allowances remains – and will remain – my main home for tax purposes.

Politics and Parliament are in a very bad place. We have to find a way of moving forward. MPs need to be able to live and work in London but everyone needs to have confidence in the system that makes it possible.

I will work in parliament for reform. I will work in my constituency, as I have for the last 12 years, to enhance the opportunities for local families and the wider community.