"They are all at it". That was the headline of the Daily Mirror until about three hours ago. This has subsequently been changed.
Must have taken something big to change the lead story, surely?
You'd be right. As predicted last week, it looks as though the proverbial shit is hitting the fan. And all in time for the G20. Gordon must be happy.
Already tonight Hazel Blears has apologised for incorrectly claiming travel expenses. Guido Flawkes has lots more details on this story, but it basically looks as if she's been claiming near £500 per journey.
LabourList feature a quote, although not a direct response to the story yet, regarding the hands in the till syndrome seemingly sweeping through Parliament.
"Sleaze is eating away what's left of Labour's authority. Increasingly, voters feel MPs are only in it for themselves, and every new horror threatens another Labour seat. Of course, the Tories are as bad. But Labour supporters expect better of the people's party, and to be seen as sleazy as the Cons is cold comfort".Kevin Maguire
Ouch. Has Maguire, basically the cheer-leader of Labour, really come to that conclusion? He is right though.
Newsnight have also ran with rumours circulating Westminster tonight. Could there possibly be a Tory moll within the Parliamentary authorities? I suspect there probably is.
But mole or no mole, this does not detract from the underlying story. Although I suspect many MPs shall be hoping it does. MPs, desperate to avoid being publicly outed, are now heading hands over heals to avoid the situation Smith, Blears, McNaulty and Conway have all found themselves in.
Expect plenty more from across the floor yet. Expect the government to look increasing red-faced and expect Gordon's own standing to drop even further. I'll update this as it develops.
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