Duncan 'Ration' Comments "Worrying"

Comments made by a shadow cabinet member, Alan Duncan on 'Rationing' are "worrying", according to a senior Wesminster figure.

Sir Alistair Graham, former Chair of the Committee on Standards in Public Life, said the incident may give the impression MPs are not fully committed to expenses reform.

Mr Duncan has since apologised for saying politicians have had to "live on rations", while being secretly taped.

However, Sir Alistair insisted: "It is particularly worrying that such a senior figure, in a party that is likely to form a government after the next election, would say something like this.

"The last thing people want to hear is an MP whingeing about his pay and conditions."

Tory Leader David Cameron has have taken a "dim view" of his party colleague's comments, but denied Mr Duncan's role within the shadow cabinet was under threat.

He said: "Alan made a bad mistake and he has acknowledged that, he has apologised and withdrawn the remarks."

Mr Duncan was secretly filmed by Heydon Prowse of Don't Panic magazine.

Extracts show the MP using strong language when discussing reforms to the parliamentary expenses system.

In the video, he also said: "No-one who's done anything in the outside world or is capable of doing such a thing will ever come into this place ever again the way we're going."

He later told the BBC: "It is a huge honour to be an MP and my remarks, although meant in jest, were completely uncalled for. I apologise for them unreservedly."

(PR/BMcc)