By Jim Pickard, Political Correspondent MPs defied the threat of a public backlash on Thursday by throwing out proposals to bring greater transparency and more rigorous audit to their system of expenses. The House of Commons voted to reject plans that would have meant regular spot-checks by accountants and the need to produce receipts for all expenses. Eight ministers, including Jacqui Smith, home secretary, Andy Burnham, culture secretary and Caroline Flint, housing minister, were among those who voted against the reform amid angry exchanges in the Commons. The Conservatives claimed that 33 ministers voted against. Thursday’s vote means the “John Lewis list” of furniture and household goods that MPs can claim on expenses will not be axed. The rejected proposals would have kept the “additional cost allowance” that MPs receive...
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