It's business as usual, says MP Nick Gibb

The House of Commons ended for a three-month recess on record.

The absence of MPs from the chamber until October 12 has attracted criticism after the recent furore about their expenses claims.

But Mr Gibb, the Conservative MP for Bognor Regis and Littlehampton, defended the formal break for making little difference to his daily routine.

"Life continues for me almost as usual during the recess. I go into my office in Westminster every day and work as usual.

"The only difference is I do more things in the constituency during the week.

"While the Commons is sitting, I can only attend events in Bognor and Littlehampton, or arrange meetings with constituents, on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays because I need to be available in the Commons for votes, debates and meetings.

"During the recess, I can be in the constituency from Monday to Thursday as well," he said.

Tuesdaysaw him attend a meeting with Bersted parish councillors, followed by a Pagham Association for the Elderly coffee morning yesterday after a business showcase breakfast.

Yesterday afternoon he was back at Westminster to meet councillors from around the country who have responsibility for education.

That was among the sessions he has arranged for the coming weeks in line with his frontbench role as the shadow minister for schools.

He will be ready for the announcement of the GCSE results on August 27 after an 11-day holiday abroad.

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