A Conservative MP who wanted to learn Hebrew enrolled in lessons – but with the taxpayer footing the bill.

Nick Boles, who met his Israeli partner on a visit to the Jewish state with Conservative Friends of Israel, included the £678 cost of the lessons on his expenses bill.

MPs are able to charge language lessons to the taxpayer in order to help them professionally, and eight others including Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt took the opportunity last year.

The Grantham and Stamford MP, who entered a civil partnership with Shay Meshulam in May 2011, has called for a tightening of such privileges as winter fuel allowance.

Mr Boles told the Mirror that he was entitled to take the lessons.