Action on Expenses Welcomed

David Cameron took the right decision today to tackle the Commons expenses scandal. More will have to be done over time.

When I was responsible for a budget, I had a simple test for my spending: if I could justify it to a room full of the actual fundraisers then it was OK.

And these fundraisers were not the likes of Wall Street or the City, but pensioners at a coffee morning.

This audience was clearly tougher than the Commons Fees Office ever could be.

Every politician should use a test like this. It keeps one rooted in reality.

Richard Normington

12th May 2009