MPs' expenses have become a hot political issue MPs will vote on a new expenses system later today ahead of an expected Commons vote. Labour and the Liberal Democrats are allowing a free vote on the issue. The Conservatives will not be whipping their MPs although there is some chance of the front bench voting in a particular way on some of the many amendments to the bill. The Tories will also adopt the government line and vote against any rise on MPs' pay. The debate will consider various options proposed by the Commons' members estimates committee for auditing, inspecting and controlling MPs' expenses. It is headed by speaker Michael Martin, who is himself embroiled in controversy over his finances. If the proposals are adopted, the existing system would basically continue but auditing would be tightened up. External...
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