Watchdog queries expenses rules

Sir Christopher has said he will carry out his own review if necessary Parliament's standards watchdog has questioned whether MPs' review of their own expenses system will go far enough to restore public confidence. Last week Speaker Michael Martin's inquiry recommended a "robust system of scrutiny" on expenses. But, ahead of an MPs' vote on changes, Sir Christopher Kelly said it did not cover "every aspect of the arrangements which have been questioned". He welcomed some changes but said MPs must decide if they were "sufficient". Last week the Members Estimate Committee, chaired by Mr Martin, reported back following their inquiry - which was prompted by revelations about the Tory MP Derek Conway's use of expenses to pay his son. MPs' vote Among its recommendations were that MPs should no longer use expenses to buy items like... [read full story]