Iain Duncan Smith has vowed not to claim for a second home allowance in the wake of the MPs expenses scandal.

The member for Chingford and Woodford Green is one of nine leading members of the Conservative party who have relinquished their right to the allowance.

The former Tory leader has not claimed for a second home since 2007.

The move was announced by Conservative leader David Cameron as he moves to cool public anger over revelations about claims made by members of the party.

Leyton MP Harry Cohen has claimed almost the maximum allowance for a second home even though it is in his constituency and he has admitted spending 90 per cent of his time there.

Walthamstow MP Neil Gerrard has not claimed for a second home.

After winning his seat in the 1992 general election, Mr Duncan Smith held the party leadership between 2001 and 2003, before founding the Centre for Social Justice.