Parliament's expenses watchdog has issued an apology to MPs after telling them they could charge the taxpayer for Christmas parties.
The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) revealed MPs had received abuse "as a result of our guidance".
The watchdog acknowledged it had failed to "recognise the public mood at a time of severe economic and financial pressures'' during the cost of living crisis.
Earlier this week MPs from across the political divide reacted with fury over the "inappropriate" advice and urged IPSA to reconsider.
The initial guidance issued by the body said MPs could claim the costs of "food and refreshments for an office festive event", as well as "festive decorations for their office" - but "no claims are allowed for alcohol".
Rishi Sunak's official spokesperson said the Prime Minister's "view is that MPs will want to justify all spending to their constituents."
Ex-Cabinet minister David Davis said the watchdog had "missed the mood of the age" while Labour's Jess Phillips described it as "irresponsible".
In a statement IPSA's Chief Executive Ian Todd said he had been contacted by a number of MPs who made it clear that they had "no intention" of making claims related to Christmas parties.
He admitted: "We got the messaging wrong by allowing the impression to form that this is what MPs were wanting to do, rather than our interpretation of the discretion available under existing rules.
"We are an independent body and we make our own decisions but occasionally, like everyone, we make mistakes."I would like to apologise to those MPs and their staff who have had to deal with phone calls, e-mails and in some cases abuse as a result of our guidance."
Ms Phillips wrote on Twitter : “Just want to say no one asked for this, no one I know will use it.
"The guidance wasn’t made by MPs and yet we will be pilloried for it. I think it’s really irresponsible to issue this guidance as if MPs have been clamouring for it when I’ve literally never heard anyone do that.”
Among the MPs who retweeted the message was Tory Foreign Secretary James Cleverly.
Ms Phillips continued on social media: "I will throw a Christmas party for my staff, it will be in my home where I will cook and pay for all of the food and drink.
"Once again I reiterate that there was no clamour for this from MPs and it's stupid."
