"We strongly support the action that David Cameron has taken to prevent any future abuse of the Parliamentary expenses system. The revelations of the past few days have understandably shocked the public and further undermined attitudes towards politics and politicians. Individual reputations have been damaged, but, far worse has been the damage to public confidence in the way that our country is governed.

"It is right that David Cameron has pre-empted the outcome of the Independent Inquiry which is already underway to ensure that Conservative MPs abide by the spirit, as well as the letter, of a dramatically strengthened set of rules."