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MP's rations remark 'offensive' MP's rations remark 'offensive'
(about 5 hours later)
A Conservative MP, who was secretly recorded saying politicians have had to "live on rations" after the expenses row, has come in for renewed criticism. A Conservative MP who was secretly recorded saying politicians have had to "live on rations" after the expenses row has come in for renewed criticism.
Ex-sleaze watchdog Sir Alistair Graham said front-bencher Alan Duncan's comments could be seen as offensive by people struggling in the recession. Ex-sleaze watchdog Sir Alistair Graham said shadow cabinet member Alan Duncan's comments could be offensive to people struggling in the recession.
David Cameron is understood to have taken a "dim view" of the remarks, which Mr Duncan has apologised for. He added that it was "particularly worrying" from a potential minister.
Labour and Lib Dem MPs have called for him to quit as shadow Commons leader. David Cameron is understood to have taken a "dim view" of the remarks, for which Mr Duncan has apologised.
'Nationalised' The secret film, made by Heydon Prowse of Don't Panic magazine, shows Mr Duncan using strong language when discussing reforms to the MPs' expenses system.
Mr Graham, the former head of the committee for standards in public life, told the Daily Telegraph: "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."
He added that Mr Duncan had created the impression that MPs were not fully focussed on putting their house in order.
This was at the height of the scandal, but the attitude was that it was all a bit of a joke Heydon Prowse, editor Don't PanicThis was at the height of the scandal, but the attitude was that it was all a bit of a joke Heydon Prowse, editor Don't Panic
Mr Duncan said his comments about MPs being treated badly were meant as a joke, but he added: "The last thing people want to hear is an MP whingeing about his pay and conditions." Mr Duncan, shadow leader of the Commons, adds: "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."
Sir Alistair, the former head of the Committee for Standards in Public Life, told the Daily Telegraph: "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."
He added that Mr Duncan had created the impression that MPs were not fully focused on reform. Mr Duncan said his comments about MPs being treated badly were meant as a joke, but he added: "The last thing people want to hear is an MP whingeing about his pay and conditions."
He 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."He 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."
The secret film, made by Heydon Prowse of Don't Panic magazine, shows Mr Duncan using strong language on the House of Commons terrace.
He appears to say: "Basically it has been nationalised. You have to live on rations and you are treated like shit."
'Not surprised'
He then adds: "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."
Mr Duncan is not in shot when he makes the remarks but his voice can clearly be heard.
He is also quizzed by Mr Prowse about his expenses claims for gardening.
Mr Duncan, a former oil trader, became an MP in 1992
The Rutland and Melton MP says: "I spend my money on my garden and claim a tiny fraction based on what is proper. And I could claim the whole bloody lot, but I don't."
He then adds: "About £2,000 a year and this was £1,000 a year on expenses, you know. It's just, I'm afraid the world has gone mad."
Mr Cameron's spokesman told the Telegraph: "David thought it was absolutely right that Alan should apologise."Mr Cameron's spokesman told the Telegraph: "David thought it was absolutely right that Alan should apologise."
'Charming and generous'
The film was posted on the Don't Panic website at the end of July. It was removed from the site but has now been republished.The film was posted on the Don't Panic website at the end of July. It was removed from the site but has now been republished.
Mr Prowse was invited to the Commons by Mr Duncan after he was filmed digging a pound-shaped hole in the MP's lawn in protest at his expenses claims. The video clip of Mr Duncan's lawn became a hit on YouTube. Mr Prowse was invited to the Commons by Mr Duncan after he was filmed digging a pound-shaped hole in the MP's lawn in protest at his expenses claims.
Mr Prowse said he took the secret camera along to the meeting in July in the hope of catching Mr Duncan out but he regretted getting him into trouble because he found the Conservative MP to be a "very charming and generous guy". The campaigner said he had taken the secret camera along to the meeting in July in the hope of catching Mr Duncan out but he regretted getting him into trouble because he was a "very charming and generous guy".
But he said he thought it was important to expose the attitude of politicians towards the expenses scandal. But Mr Prowse said he thought it was important to expose the attitude of politicians towards the expenses scandal.
Lord Mandelson: "'Alan Duncan is very fond of speaking a good game publicly' As shadow Commons leader, Mr Duncan has overseen much of the Conservative response to the expenses row and has said he would pay back more than £4,000 of allowances.
He said: "What we captured was the general prevailing attitude in the Commons that he didn't take the whole expenses scandal particularly seriously.
"This was at the height of the scandal, but the attitude was that it was all a bit of a joke."
Mr Prowse describes himself as a film maker rather than a campaigner and he says his magazine carries a mixture of arts and politics.
As shadow Commons leader, Mr Duncan has overseen much of the Conservative response to the expenses row and has said he would pay back more than £4,000 of expenses.
Mr Duncan, a former oil trader, became an MP in 1992 and has held a string of front bench roles.
The MP's remarks have been seized on by his political opponents.
Business Secretary Lord Mandelson, currently standing in for Prime Minister Gordon Brown who is on holiday, told BBC News: "Alan Duncan is very fond of speaking a good game publicly but in private talking and acting quite differently, so I am not surprised he has been found out."Business Secretary Lord Mandelson, currently standing in for Prime Minister Gordon Brown who is on holiday, told BBC News: "Alan Duncan is very fond of speaking a good game publicly but in private talking and acting quite differently, so I am not surprised he has been found out."