Joyce was the top-claiming Member of the House of Commons for the 2005-06 Parliamentary Session, claiming £174,811 in expenses, of which 62% was for staff and office costs.[20] After the 2005-06 Parliamentary Session, he made a public pledge to cut his expenses. Subsequently, during the 2006–07 Parliamentary Session, he moved down to 11th on the list of MPs' expenses and allowances.[21] However, he once again rose to the top of the expenses list for the 2007-08 Parliamentary Session with £187,334.[22]
Joyce was the first MP to claim more than £1 million cumulatively in expenses.[23] In October 2007 Joyce claimed £180 for three oil paintings. When asked why he had used taxpayer's funds in such a way he replied "because they look nice."[24] In May 2009, tabloids reported Joyce was seeking advice from HM Revenue and Customs regarding £40,000 in unpaid capital gains tax on the sale of his London home, which he had designated as his second home under the Second Homes Allowance scheme. The tabloids wrote that when asked what he would do were he asked to repay the money, Joyce stated he would "suck it and see."[25][26]
Did he fall or was he pushed..?