THE latest issue over MPs renting out their own properties in London and then getting the taxpayer to fund another is a disgrace, no matter what Parliamentary apologists may mumble about the rules.

It harks back to the dark days of the expenses scandal and shows that some MPs, potentially 27 as of yesterday, have not learnt their lesson that they should not have their noses in the public trough. There is still a deeply ingrained sense of entitlement to lining pockets any which way they can.

Any Parliamentarian who does not condemn this practice – even if they are not involved personally – cannot be trusted with access to the public funds.