Nothing to hide....

Are there any politicians out there who don't have dodgy expenses claims?

Even Alex Salmond is not immune for the contagion of greed that seems to eminate from Westminster.

In the 2007/08 financial year, which covers the period between the end of March 2007 and the start of April 2008, he voted on only six days in the Commons.

However, he still claimed £1,751.50 for food, or more than a third of the maximum allowed for the entire 12 months.

That's £291 per day. Good value for money.

But the most interesting element seemed to be ignored...

One embarrassing detail from Mr Salmond's expenses was a claim for an overnight stay at a London hotel in July, 2005.

and

These items were bought for the flat Mr Salmond rented in Central London and all were allowable under Commons' rules.

Sorry, but he rented a flat, paid for by the taxpayer, and then stayed in a hotel, paid for by the taxpayer.

(Copious expletives deleted)

Of course, that all pales into insignificance when compared to Hazel Blears telling the Commons authorities that a house was her second home for (generous) expense allowances, and the Inland Revenue that it was her principal home, so that there was no tax to be paid when she sold it.

If that was you or I ......