How the recent MP expenses row unfolded

Posted by Theo Blackwell at Thu, 10/09/2009 - 5:06pm in Mandate news

As part of our ongoing speaker programme, over 100 invited Mandate guests joined us at 60 Great Portland Street earlier this week for a Chatham House discussion with Andrew Porter, Political Editor of the Daily Telegraph on how the recent MP expenses row unfolded.

Andrew gave a 15 minute talk on the scandal, and then answered questions from the floor, ranging from the minutiae of how the investigation was pieced together to reflecting on its impact in Parliament.

Mandate Chief Executive Sacha Deshmukh said:

"For all of us who follow politics closely, or work with Government and politicians day to day, we have seen that the Telegraph’s coverage, and the work of Andrew and colleagues has been truly seismic.

"Every day for several months Westminster powerbrokers waited to see the latest from the Telegraph and knew that it would determine the whole agenda of political debate.

"Some feel the Prime Minister’s own strength and future was shaped by the headlines you see around you today.  And some that David Cameron’s ultimate proof of readiness for office was shown when he grasped opportunity from adversity.

"I think we all agree that the ultimate political result of Andrew’s work is far from settled.  So I am pleased that we could listen to a unique perspective on how this momentous news story was crafted."

Tagged with: Parliament, Daily Telegraph, Andrew Porter