Tories on attack over expenses omission
Gordon Brown has been criticised over the omission
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By Matt Hallam. |  |
Thursday, 19, Nov 2009 09:49
By Richard James.
The Conservatives have accused the government of carrying out a U-turn after apparently agreeing to rectify the lack of expenses bills in yesterday's Queen's Speech.
Sir Christopher Kelly, chairman of the committee on standards in public life, earlier expressed his disappointment that proposed reforms to the controversial parliamentary expenses scheme were not included in the speech.
He said 11 measures were needed to give the newly-created Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) watchdog the powers it needs.
Downing Street later said legislation could be brought forward "as required"
The statement was described as a U-turn by the opposition as the parties continue to draw up their battle lines ahead of next year's general election.
The Queen's Speech, outlining the government's legislative agenda for the next six months, was widely perceived as delivering the starting shot of Labour's election campaign yesterday.
Commenting on the ongoing expenses argument, a Tory spokesman said: "Hours after the Queen's Speech, Gordon Brown is already in full retreat.
"He refused David Cameron's offer in the House of Commons to help pass the new laws the public demand on expenses reform claiming they weren't needed.
"Now, after criticism from Sir Christopher Kelly he has U-turned and admitted they are needed.
"It's another shambles and shows that on expenses reform Gordon Brown still does not get it."
The government, however, responded this morning with employment minister Jim Knight claiming legislation already introduced gave enough powers to "tackle all of the things in respect of MPs' expenses".