Labour backbenchers reject Brown's expenses reforms

We report that Labour MPs in the West Midlands have rejected Gordon Brown's proposals to reform House of Commons allowances.

One Labour backbencher in Birmingham supported the proposals, with three expressing doubts. A number of Labour MPs in other parts of the West Midlands are also opposed to Mr Brown's plans.

The Prime Minister should be able to count on the support of MPs who are also ministers or whips, who face a choice of voting with the government or resigning. However, this would not be enough for him to win a vote on the issue without support from the Conservatives or Lib Dems.

Here are some of the views voiced by MPs in more detail:

Richard Burden (Lab Northfield) said: "I am uncomfortable with what is being proposed. Sir Christopher Kelly is taking a look at this issue.

"I think the public wants to see an outside view, rather than politicians doing it themselves."

Roger Godsiff (Lab Sparkbrook and Small Heath) said: "I think it is best that these issues are dealt with by an independent committee rather than elected Members."

Birmingham MP Lynne Jones (Lab Selly Oak) rejected proposals for an attendance fee and has set out her own proposals in a House of Commons motion.

Wolverhampton MP Rob Marris (Lab Wolverhampton South West) said: "The difficulty with the proposals now on the table is that they lack clarity. Secondly, Sir Chris Kelly, who is looking at this on behalf of Parliament, thinks that these proposals are premature."

Black Country MP David Winnick (Lab Walsall North) also expressed concern in the House of Commons last week, as he asked Harriet Harman, the leader of the House: "If the new proposal is put forward, does she accept that people are bound to think that Members are being paid extra money just for turning up to do our job?"

Tony Wright, Labour MP for Cannock, also signed an open letter to the Prime Minister last week warning that the Government's plans had "serious practical difficulties which need to be thought through".

As chair of the Public Administration Committee, Dr Wright is considered to be an influential backbencher, particularly on issues of constitutional reform and the operation of Parliament.

Khalid Mahmood (Lab Perry Barr) is one of few Labour backbenchers vocally supporting plans for an attendance allowance.