Brown finally follows our lead on MPs' expenses

David Cameron has welcomed Gordon Brown’s decision to adopt a number of our proposals on MPs’ expenses, but promised to push for “further reforms”.

He said Mr. Brown’s latest announcement on reforms to the expenses system marked “a big u-turn by the Prime Minister”.

And he stressed the Conservatives have led the way in calling for reforms to MPs' expenses:

“We had been calling for a meeting. We now have one. We called for a ban on Ministers claiming second home allowances when they enjoy a grace and favour home. (Gordon Brown) is now proposing this. We argued MPs’ staff should be directly employed. He is now proposing this.”

David warned that there are still “some real issues and problems with a daily allowance” and promised to discuss the matter with the Prime Minister.

He also pledged to push for “further reforms” at the meeting, including the abolition of the communications allowance, a reduction in the number of MPs and a clear commitment to a reduction in the overall cost of politics.