Our Politics newsletter is now daily. Join thousands of others and get the latest Scottish politics news sent straight to your inbox. Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

A councillor has been slated for claiming nearly £1500 of taxi fares on expenses – including trips to the cinema and pub.

The bill was run up by Lezley Marion Cameron, vice-convener of finance and resources at Edinburgh City Council, from May 2017.

It makes up 23 per cent of the total amount of taxi fares put on expenses by councillors in the capital.

The Labour councillor charged for 80 trips in a year, including more than 50 from or to her home.

Cameron said trips to see Outlaw King and Avengers: Infinity War were on behalf of Film Edinburgh .

She added: “I’ll repay personal trips.

"I’ll use a taxi if I’m late or if I’m asked at short notice to sub for a colleague. I don’t know how personal ones ended up on there.

“I’m one of the busiest councillors and I have a lot of meetings in the city.”

Lothian Tory MSP Miles Briggs called for Cameron to apologise, adding: “This money could have been put to much better use to help a variety of causes.”