Well it's a competitive marketplace for a News outlet to get a journalist.
As for politicians, when they're in, that's it, they're in for several years.

And looking at how much some MPs are claiming for, they make well over 100k per year with the additions. I wouldn't be surprised if they claimed car allowance, too.

On top of that (ooo 'eck, I'm off), the Labour Politicians used the Royal Flight for getting home - Margaret Beckett used it to get to East Mids airport, when it's only 2 hours ish on the train.
(BombayMick Dogs are better than cats, Tue 12 May 2009, 13:40, archived)

they're only copying the civil service.

( Moon Girl Technologies horrendous beanbag, Tue 12 May 2009, 13:42, archived)

True enough.
Damn my decision to work in the private sector!
(BombayMick Dogs are better than cats, Tue 12 May 2009, 13:51, archived)

Also, you don't need any formal qualifications to become a politician...

(rnuk http://flickr.com/rnuk, Tue 12 May 2009, 13:44, archived)

My solution would be
Give them all a free flat in London and let those who have to commute more than 80 miles to Westminster claim travel and overnight expenses.

Stick them all on £100k a year, cabinet a bit more, PM probably £250k then tell them all to fuck off and get on with it.

Regardless of anything else, making them claim expenses for all sorts of shit just wastes their time.
( Goatworrier had your mum and she was shit, Tue 12 May 2009, 13:47, archived)

Good plan!
I like that idea.

In failing that, keep the current system they have now, but let it be claimed for the general public, like you and me. See how quickly they bat that one into touch :-)
(BombayMick Dogs are better than cats, Tue 12 May 2009, 13:49, archived)