Unlike others in his political generation, Jeremy Hunt enjoyed an almost squeaky clean record as MP for South West Surrey - with few scandals for the press to sink their teeth into.

This December does, however, mark 15 years since perhaps the inkiest blotch on Hunt's record as he was embroiled in Westminster’s 2009 parliamentary expenses scandal.

It was just four years after winning his first election when the future Tory leadership candidate was ordered to repay more than £9,500 to taxpayers after breaching rules on claims for his “second home” in Farnham.

The repayment covered half of the £19,117 he had claimed between 2005 and 2007 while allowing his constituency agent to stay rent-free on some nights.

The Commons Committee on Standards and Privileges found this arrangement to be a “serious matter”, as Hunt claimed full costs for the property despite sharing it.

However, an exhaustive investigation concluded that Hunt did not personally benefit or divert funds to his political party. The commissioner accepted his unreserved apology and attributed the breach to a misinterpretation of the rules.

In addition, Hunt repaid nearly £2,000 earlier in 2009 after it was discovered he had mistakenly claimed utility and council tax expenses for the Farnham property at a time it was designated as his primary residence.

Hunt described the rent-free arrangement as a gesture to ease his agent’s midweek commute, but acknowledged the arrangement had allowed accusations to be made.

He emphasised that the claims, though improper, had saved taxpayers money compared to what he could have legitimately claimed for his London property.

But Hunt’s Liberal Democrat opponent, Mike Simpson, criticised him for “abusing the system” and demanded a public apology.

Hunt defended his integrity, but fully accepted the committee’s ruling and the scandal remains a rare blemish on his otherwise clean record.