MPP Peter Shurman has been dropped from his post as the Ontario PC's finance critic following revelations about his accommodation expense claims, PC Leader Tim Hudak says.

“As Leader of the PC Party, I believe we have a responsibility to taxpayers to operate in their best interest. As a demonstration of my commitment to this principle I have made the decision to remove Peter Shurman from his position as Finance Critic.” Hudak said in a news release Sunday evening.

The move comes after reports earlier this week that the Thornhill MPP claimed $20,719 in accommodation expenses last year related to a second home in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Hudak said that while Shurman followed the current rules for MPPs, taxpayers hold elected officials to "a higher standard." He also said the rules should be changed.

Shurman has said he followed the existing rules, but will nonetheless stop collecting the accommodation allowance while the rules are reviewed.

@Josh_F is on Twitter. Remember for instant breaking news follow @cp24 on Twitter.