Reality based reform

Ever since the Telgraph broke the first expenses story at the start of May we have seen the emotional pendulum swing from one extreme to another.

Reports that Gordon Brown intends to unveil a raft of constitutional reform proposals tomorrow, are but the latest swing.

Let us be clear. Expenses is the issue here. Voting reform is precisely the knee jerk, ill conceived reaction to a problem that is not there.

We can clear the expenses system up quite simply. Let us give dignity back to our MPs by ending the system of deferred payments and top-ups. Let us abolish the expenses system. In its place let us increase MPs' salaries by 50% and provide them with a £10,000 office supplement. Let us increase Ministerial and Cabinet salaries appropriately also. And let us recognise that the British PM's renumeration should be far above £150,000.