MPs' expenses scandal forces out the Speaker

Details of the expenses claims of MPs have been published by The Daily Telegraph, revealing that many claimed thousands of pounds of public money for second homes, furniture and household items.

The newspaper began publishing the details on 8 May, starting with members of the cabinet, and has continued with new revelations every day.

What was claimed

MPs are entitled to claim for the cost of a second home, because many have to live both in their constituencies and in London. But the leaked records show that some used the system to claim for items including a duck house, the cleaning of a moat, a plasma television and bags of manure.

Some MPs switched which property they designated as their second home, a practice known as "flipping", allowing them to claim for more than one property or to avoid paying capital gains tax when they sold a home.

Others claimed for mortgage payments that had already been paid off.

Public anger

The revelations have caused widespread public anger, at a time when many people are struggling with the effects of the recession. Many MPs have apologised and repaid money.

The Speaker of the House of Commons, Michael Martin, has faced strong criticism for his handling of the issue and for trying to block publication of the claims. He has announced that he will stand down, the first Speaker to be forced out in more than 300 years.

Party leaders respond

The Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, has apologised on behalf of all politicians. The Conservative leader, David Cameron, has ordered his MPs to repay money and has threatened to expel those who refuse.

Several MPs have announced they will not stand at the next general election, and some have been suspended by their parties.

Reforms

The party leaders have agreed that the system must change. An independent body is to be set up to oversee MPs' pay and expenses, and all claims will be published.

Police are considering whether some claims were criminal.

A crisis of trust

The scandal has damaged trust in politics. Polls suggest many voters may turn to smaller parties or stay at home at the European elections next month.

The details came from a disk containing the records, which was obtained by the newspaper before the official publication due in July.