Windsor MP condemns doubts he lives in town

Windsor's MP Adam Afriyie has hit back at 'hostile political opponents' who have cast doubts over whether he really lives in the town.

Mutterings about the subject have been part of the often febrile political climate, ever since Mr Afriyie was elected to represent Windsor in 2005.

The married father-of-three has always shielded his private life from public gaze. But this week his office responded forcefully to a request from this newspaper for a definitive comment.

It issued a statement saying: "It is a matter of public record that Mr Afriyie made a home in Windsor shortly after his selection in 2003. He and his family moved to Kings Road in 2007 and with a growing family, moved to a charming part of Old Windsor in 2008.

"It is understandable that hostile political opponents will try to make mischief but we hope they will have the decency to avoid personal insults, lies and libel and respect the privacy of his family life."

Mr Afriyie emerged unscathed from the recent expenses scandal, as he does not claim a second home allowance or travel expenses - although he is known to have a large personal fortune thanks to his success as a businessman.

Read more in this Friday's Express.