[Livia]

They actually haven't done anything wrong or broken any of the rules, so here we go with another trial by media.

An MP's basic salary is roughly the same as that as a deputy head teacher. They do claim expenses, but so would you if your constituency was miles away from London and you were required to live in London half the week for late night sitting, three line whips etc. If we want good, dedicated people from a wide range of backgrounds to stand as MPs then we need to pay them a basic salary that reflects the responsibility they shoulder on our behalf. Otherwise, we're always going to have MPs doing other jobs or living off their trust funds.

With a decent degree people can earn much, much more in the private sector than MPs get and I know I wouldn't want to do their job for their salary. If we want quality people representing us in Parliament, pay them a good salary and stop them doing external work of any kind.