[Scarlett.]

Gordon Brown has ordered a wholesale review of expense claims going back four years.

In a statement to the House of Commons, Mr Brown said there was "no more pressing task for this Parliament" than cleaning up the system.

Mr Brown also unveiled plans for urgent legislation to create an independent authority to regulate Parliament and remove MPs' power to set their own pay and expenses. He said this would be introduced and debated before the summer recess.
He also called for a debate on reform to the voting system, including lowering the voting age, but added "a broad consensus in the country" was needed to implement any changes.

Plans for the "final stages" of House of Lords reform will also be published before the summer recess and Mr Brown also outlined plans to review peers' "system of financial support".
Tory leader David Cameron said the "real change" that was needed was for Mr Brown to call a general election.

[Does Cameron EVER shut the **** up about the election, or is that his only policy?]

The proposed constitutional changes are widely seen as a bid to get Mr Brown back on the front foot and restore momentum following Labour's dismal showing in the council and European elections.

Before his announcement, Mr Cameron taunted Mr Brown during Prime Ministers' Questions over Labour rebels' failed attempt to sweep him from office.


To loud Tory cheers he said: "Can I say how pleased I am to see you in your place!"

Mr Brown narrowly headed off a backbench rebellion on Monday, with Labour rebels abandoning plans to publish a list of 50-60 names expressing no confidence in their leader.
Mr Brown is expected to see off comfortably an attempt to force an election through a joint Scottish National Party and Plaid Cymru motion calling for the dissolution of Parliament, due to be debated in the Commons later.

MSN News