8 May, Sunderland. A massive new feeding frenzy. The Telegraph has got its hands on a computer disc of our unexpurgated expenses claims and has begun publishing highlights. Page after unedifying page . . . The damage is incalculable. Not just to us, but to the entire parliamentary system. We are sinking in a great swamp of derision and loathing. No matter that the guardians of public morality at the Telegraph appear to have paid a large - and so far undisclosed - sum of money for discs that seem to have been stolen, open season has been declared on we wretched, despised servants of the people.

LRB 25 June 2009 | PDF Download