MPs vote against reform

There were several votes in the House of Commons last night on the subject of MP's pay and allowances.

On salary levels the Commons voted for self restraint.

However, on expenses they voted against a reform recommended by the Members Estimates committee. The committee had proposed a rigorous system of external audit of MP's expenses, and an end to the so-called "John Lewis list" of expenses for which members could claim if improving their homes to support parliamentary duties.

By 172 votes to 144, the House voted for an amendment which kept the "John Lewis list" and supported internal rather than external audit.

I think this was a mistake. The sooner the level of MP's pay and expenses can be dealt with by an independent body, not subject to influence by MPs or the government, the better.