Westminister’s political journalists have politely declined a cheeky challenge to follow MPs’ example by publishing their pay and expenses.
The challenge was thrown down to them by Tory MP Peter Bottomley following the controversy over the disclosure that MPs are claiming an average of £118,000 expenses.
In a Commons motion Bottomley said he understood “the interest in Parliamentary pay and allowances,” but added: “It would be a friendly gesture for the Press Gallery chairman to invite his colleagues to list their own attendance, pay and expenses.”
Related
Press Gallery chairman Brian Shallcross said: “Apart from those with the BBC, journalists’ expenses are not provided out of public funds. Given that, there is no reason why we should publish our expenses.”
Bottomley told Press Gazette that he was not surprised by the journalists’ reaction.
Content from our partners
Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog
