Time finally for us their employer to insist that MPs sign a contrract of employment detailing their duties and salary prior to taking the Oath.
MPs (of all parties) must be made to accept that we, the public, are their employers, they are our SERVANTS, not the other way around.
Time for Change.

Howard, Basildon, England

The way MPs (and MEPs) treat public money is a complete disgrace: its not just the Tories. Speaker Martin has claimed thousands for his wife to use taxis in order to shop; Beckett had her garden planted at our expense. It's time to stop the expenses fiasco. They should be paid a salary and no more.

Donna Walker, Effingham, England

Enough. Details of all Members' expenses must be published forthwith. Transparency is the only safeguard and, more importantly, prophylactic. It must also be applied equably across the two houses.

Mike L, Chippenham, Wilts

It's not just one party. It's all. They just do not get it. This isn't their money. But they'll throw it around their family or friends when they bring them on the payroll, fiddle mortgages, bend the rules as far as possible and bluff their way out when caught. Honourable Members.

C Shaw, Oxford,

Some perspective on this one people. Prosecutions? Posters revealing thier Labour biases there. Prescott claimed 4k a year in food? Blair bought himslef a new kitchen? Having someone do childcare and some secretary work is hardly the big evil of parliamentary expenses we should hound to the courts!!

Steve, Norwich, Norfolk

ms Haines should be asked if she only got free living after 1999 our did she et the same pay as when she was the secretary

colinms, lincolnshire, uk

If the M.P did a better job because of the helper she employed via the Parliamentary purse why should it matter if this support worker had various roles? Soon, however, those caring for kids will have to be registered.

Mrs. Josephine Hyde-Hartley, Bacup, UK

The last few days have been as much about Cameron as it as been about Chichester and Spelman. It was he that appointed him clean up MEPs and her to clean up MPs expenses and allowances at a time when he needed headlines Why no background checks first then talk Again Cameron's style over substance

anthony J, Tredegar, Wales

And these are the people themselves that have said people think of them as the "nasty party" - it would seem they are right - nothing changes.

Marty, London,

I find it incredible that Kevan Jones has the gall to publicly denounce this woman, when it is obvious to many that it is an issue that requires some investigation before a judgement can be made. Is he not aware of the allegations surrounding labour MP's dubious expense claims?

Victoria Makin, Derby, UK

This mp - Caroline Spelman has obtained public money under false pretences - a nanny is not a secretary and Ms Spelman should be prosecuted for obtaining money by deception as anyone in the private sector would be..

James Moody, Lancaster, England

This happened 10 years ago, she was advised re the payements and they stopped.I don't know what was worse the fact that the biased BBC feel this is newsworthy now, or seeing the slimy smug Labour MP's lining up to give us their opinions.Funny how the BBC have'nt reported on Blairs many mortgages.

Jim, Surrey, UK

Answering the telephone and posting, does not make a secretary. However, if this is all it takes, perhaps we can even put our housekeepers, as well as nannies, on the office payroll! I feel sorry for Ms Haines having to explain herself to Newsnight, because of her previous employers dishonesty.

Patricia Golfar, London, England

Clearly both Parliament and the British section of the European Parliament need completely swilling out. I suspect where fraudulent and corrupt expenses claims are concerned we have seen only the tip of the iceberg. No wonder these people tried desperately to hide their expenses from public scrutiny

Neil, Gloucestershire, England

Let's trawl back ten years and see how many Labour MP's were at it shall we? Fair's fair now. If it comes to that, how many Labour MP's use their taxpayers wages to send their kids to private schools? It's the same thing. They're all as bad as each other, hypocrites every one.

judy, liverpool,

MP expenses for childcare is one of the few things I think it is good for the country and would encourage more women to get involved in politics

Rosalind Readhead, London, England

Labour MP Kevan Jones should think carefully before trying to get any party political gain out of this. MP's are rated as amongst the nations least trusted people.There are plenty of examples of all parties trying to get their filthy hands on public money by stretching the limits of expense rules.

Ian, Bristol,

Fiddling expense claims is common place.
Given the opportunity most people will take advantage if the organisations that they are employed by do not carrry out rigorous checks to validate claims.
George Osborne should not make excuses for Caroline Spelman.
Fiddling expenses is theft.

Bernie , Suffolk, UK

Rather sad that something from 10 years ago is being thrown at the Tory chair - MP's must be desperate to stop any investigation into their theft from the public purse.

Criminal prosecution is the only way forward now.

Ross Liversidge, Ripon, UK

A predictable and intense damage limitation exercise by the torys which is in reality a exercise in distortion and blatant theft of public funds.....................why arent these types being prosecuted for theft?

Eric, Southwick, England

The whole idea of the system is to expose people who cheated. So why are people so surprised to see people get found out? At least this is a step in the right diretion and who knows what is being hidden by the other parties.

Wardy, Lisbon, Portugal

Do Joe and Keith suggest that all crimes that occurred 10 years ago can be forgotten about. Or just those that involve the very people responsible for enacting legislation. Did Caroline Spelman pay the money back when she realised her "error"? Has she offered to pay it back now?

Zoltan Varga, Aberdeen, Scotland

It seems that as soon as anyone is elected in the House of Commons they head straight for the expense claims forms. They make fatuous claims that their wife, son, nanny, etc,etc, is actually a secretary. The sooner that MP's support staff are allocated to them by an independent body the better.

don marshall, cadiz, spain

This is just a storm in BBC tea cup

Dan, Londo, England

I look after my three grandaughters and can't claim a penny, great, isn't it.

richard, worcester,

Whilst I dont think mps should claim expenses for childcare, lets face it, lets face it noone else can, i think Spellman has been unfairly singled out, i bet labour mps including Kelly, Cooper and LADY Flint do this, anyone checking up on these hypocrites?

anna, ipswich,

Well in the words of Mandy Rice Davies during the PROFUMO AFFAIR - "Well thy would, wouldn't they?"

ian payne, walsall,

Would any self respecting Norland Nanny use the phrase -
“Yeah, I did nannying, yeah.” ?????

Peter Hooper, Windsor, UK

When was the last time that any of us had the pleasure of simply reading the whole truth where politicians are involved.
The truth is that any figure so quoted in good faith never is the actual figure, and seldom does one read of a fiscal forecast that drops. Our politicians remind me of pure greed.

Jeffrey Downes, Bampton, UK

Once again we are shown how dishonest politicians are. They lie through their teeth. The impression most give is a totally selfish, self opinionated , greedy group. If by chance they manage to help someone on the way, it is by shear chance

victor arram, wesycliff,

This a Newsnight report of something apparently said to one of its reporters. For clarity maybe Newsnight would care to question both of these people on camera and transmit the unedited interviews so that we may judge for ourselves. I have lost all faith in the BBC's soi-disant 'integrity'.

Chuck Unsworth, London,

Come off it Caroline! This doesn't sound much like a secretarial job to me. Considering how often Cameron criticises others for mis-use of taxpayers funds, this is Tory hypocrisy of the worst kind. Paying the nanny using your secretarial allowance is serious - and we should all treat it as such.

Ben, Nottingham, England

It's time new ground rules were introduced for public figures. Any corruption and you are OUT and prosecuted.

Mike Norb, Worcester, England

If it's prohibited for MPs to make expenditures unrelated to their jobs, or unacceptable for an MP thrust suddenly into her seat to see for her children so she can do the job, what about Tony spending £1000s on an AGA for Cherie? This is one of the only expenditure revelations I -have- approved of!

Rhoddy, Bath Spa,

So much for change after the next election.
Do we really need a parliament when they (all main Parties) are busy giving our rights to Europe?
Time for the public to rise and say in a loud voice 'This is how we, The Public, will allow parliament to operate in our name' .
But we are well fed slaves

Howard, Basildon, England

It is about time that the serious fraud office was called in, to investigate on a "cross party basis" the alleged expenses of ALL MP's. The public are sick and tired of this elitist group in society, who seem to have a total disregard for the laws and moral standards that govern us mere mortals.

ian woolger, budleigh salterton, UK

Oh dear another one rumbled! Isn't it great that we can now know how our politicians are ripping us off. No wonder they tried hard to cover up their expence claims. Every penny they claim from the public purse should be openly accounted for.

Anne, Leyburn , North Yorkshire

There are so many of these MP's across the political parties who sought to get away with their greedy and dishonest claims by hiding behind the fact they were previously protected from exposure through the freedom of information act.
Not any more - Cameron should sack her without any further ado.

Ian McFarlane, aberdeen, uk

They have looked at me and I have been found guilty.

I am guilty....I must have broken some rules

You,too are guilty...and you broke more rules than me.

So I am not as guilty as you are for while I am guilty I needed help to understand the rules..I'm thick

So that really makes me innocent.

C. U. JAMES, GLASGOW, SCOTLAND

I agree with Joe. This was a decade ago. She was in her first year as an MP, getting used to working in a new environment that is very different from what it is today.

Upon advice she stopped the practice herself. The BBC must get its priorities right and lead the news with more important items.

Keith, Ottery St Mary,

When will the parties stand up for ethics and principles?

One rule for the for us and another for them! Then they wonder why we are cynical.

Hamad Lone, London, England

Did Caroline Spelman's nanny get extra pay for clerical duties? I doubt it!

Teresa, London,

Nice piece of selective questioning by the BBC. Political work does not equate to secretarial work. Ms Speilman is not a Derek Conway or a Michael Martin.

I thought the rumours that the BBC were biased in favour Labour was untrue, I'm not so sure now. Pity I can't retract my License Fee

John Goode, Welwyn Garden City, UK

I am completely against political sleaze but this appears to be a nom story so I wonder why it gets so much press. Why has no-one looked into how wealthy Bliar is and where he gets all his money from. This to me is the worst scandal of all.

Jon, glasgow,

The obvious solution is to pay MPs and MEPs a fair salary for the job that they do having regard for hours actually worked, holidays, pensions, directorships etc and end expenses and allowances.

HMRC must apply to our elected representatives the same tax regime that applies to everyone else.

R Bingham, Lauzun, France

I was fooled into backing Cameron but thats it. They are not whiter than white. I am beginning to think that Brown is right. I expect Cameron to sack Spelman, Chichester and the rest at once, not rally round them. He can't muddy the waters on this one by blaming Labour. Stop dithering.

Rae, Dorset,

You labour lot have more sleeze over the 11 years to look as though Major's problem was only small talk. The BBC try and cover up this labour sleeze just wish we can vote Tories than sort the BBC out as well. If the british had a choice of paying for the BBC they would probaly get 2p at best

dave reardon, nuneaton,

This is simply the latest expose' of MPs' corruption... There's just way too much temptation under their noses, and they are only human after all. You want to stop this...? You really, really do...? Remove the temptation...! Leave them with their a salary and NOTHING - NOTHING...! - ELSE...!!!

John Jay, Walton on Thames, UK

It seems that the abuse of the expenses system has been going on for longer than we think. No wonder they will not disclose their expenses willingly.

The really sad thing is that everybody believes the nanny rather than the Leader of the Conservative Party.

How much lower can politicians sink

Graham, Penrith, England

I back Des from Edinburgh. What is needed is a full police enquiry followed by a full public enquiry. Osborne and Cameron should not defend their MP's when their snouts are caught in the trough. Osborne himself was involved in a very murky affair not so long ago.

Craig, Glenrothes,

If politicians cannot live within their salaries, how can they be trusted with national budgets and taxation?

Carolyn, Surbiton,

I say that only a full police enquiry followed by a public enquiry will suffice. We need to root out these bloodsucking Tories if I am ever to back them. I will stick with Labour.

Craig, Glenrothes,

What a load of nonsense. It was 10 years ago and regardless if she did take advantage of the system, she stopped.

Can we move on a discuss things that are relevant today.

Joe, London,

Do people really want these Old Etonian and other public school elite and Tory elite to speak for them if they get elected? They are always too quick to criticise Labour, but in the background they are just as much spin and they will say anything to get elected. Be careful what you wish for!

Mac, UK, UK

John Prescott accepts a pair of boots and its front page news and the Tories ask him to resign! Two Tories steal over 1.25 million pounds and the person responsible for checking on sleaze pays her nanny out of tax payer’s money. Never let the Tories run this country they would steal everything.

Gary, London, UK

It seems politicians can claim for food, house improvements, council tax, fuel, petrol, travel, restaurant meals, hotel stays, office stationery, office employees' earnings, rent, mortgages ....

What exactly do they find to spend over-inflated salaries on?

Edwin, Bucharest,

It says something for the Conservatives that the BBC's principal garbage hunter, Michael Crick, has to trawl back ten years to find something amiss.

Either the BBC must employ better quality investigative journalists or leave that field to others.

Yacoub, London, England

It seems odd the person Cameron has asked to ensure claims and allowances are made and used correctly does not know the rules herself.
Spelman asking Chichester to explain his whoops a daisy moment would be funny if tax payers were not being ripped off.

Charlie Nash, Salisbury, England

Isn't this tax evasion? By concealing the true nature of Ms Haines employment, Caroline Spelman has had the state fund what is actually a taxable benefit.

Can we expect to see an HMRC investigation, or does that just apply to lesser mortals.

Zoltan Varga, Aberdeen, Scotland

Surely of more relevance than the rather trivial story itself, how did the BBC get hold of it? This has all the stench of the Nulab dirty tricks department trying to stoke up allegations of persistent Tory sleaze, when this actually happened ten years ago.

Tim Adams, Blackawton, Devon

The evidence of Ms Haines is compelling. She has clearly stated that she worked as a nanny for Ms Spelman and that in the course of her employment she took the odd telephone message for her employer.

This is sleaze. That Mr Osbourne is so robust in his defence of her is deeply worrying.

Des, Edinburgh,

Rules for expense accounts need to reflect an incredibly simple distinction: you have your salary, and you have been asked to look after some of your employer's (in this case the taxpayers') money. Look yourself in the mirror, and you will never be in doubt about which of the two you're dealing with

Steen, Sevenoaks,

Come on BBC let's hear about Labour Party sleaze. As someone else noted, using the expenses in this way allowed Ms Spelman to do her job properly. Having one's life insurance paid does not come in to that category nor does hasving one's garden landscaped. Go and hound those (Labour) MPs.

Ian Burgess, Bristol,

Alistair Graham's "rather puzzling" quote must be the understatement of the year.
I think the vast majority of people, politicians on the 'gravy train' excluded; would consider actions such as Spelman's and Chicester's blatently corrupt and would hope that their actions be dealt with accordingly.

Norman, Udine, Italy

Good on the BBC for uncovering this.What other MP's are hiding what they're claiming as expenses?

john, shrewsbury, uk

Have you noticed that whenever a politician opens an anti-sleaze campaign they then fall in it up to their armpitys?

McSpode, Lowestoft,

The BBC is, true to form, working this into a frenzy giving it more air time than other events of 10 fold magnitude. Where was the BBC's angst when we heard about the Labour minister claiming life insurance on expenses! Their deafening silence said it all.

Sparks, uk,

If "she is literally the last person in Parliament who would want to do something wrong" what does that say about the rest of them? Not a smart comment.

David, Bromley,

A total non-story. The other case with Giles Chichester does matter, but this happened 10 years ago, involving amounts of money that are not huge. Whoever dug this up must have been trying to deflect attention from elsewhere, because i am sure there are many many cases worse than this!

Nathan James, Liverpool, UK

Something they thought they had swept under the carpet years ago, perhaps?.
Reading the article, it wouldn't be that a national political party was lying to the public, would it.
Do MP's, MEP's and party leaders do that sort of thing?

Sean Hamerton, York., England.