I was invited on to BBC Radio Sheffield yesterday to discuss the Parliamentary expenses scandal, but unfortunately a power cut in their studio meant that I never made it to the air. So here’s what I would have said.

I can understand, if not defend, the system fiddling that Labour MPs have been indulging in: it is in their nature as left-wingers to “claim what they’re entitled to.” Most Labour MPs have come from trade unions, public bodies, the public sector etc – where expenses are the norm and the lefties that work there claim back the price of a latte.

So that, in my opinion, is why the left are so embroiled in the expenses mess. However, what I cannot understand is why wealthy Tory MPs have been doing the same thing. Firstly, the’yre Tories and as such they are supposed to be on the side of the taxpayer. Secondly, many of them are very wealthy in their own right and this just makes it even harder for the public to accept their claims. The papers have understandably been full of pictures of titled Tory MPs outside their country estates, with details of the absurd and petty expense claims for sunflower seeds, swimming pool upkeep and expensive furniture polish.

Rightly or wrongly, the idea of a wealthy Tory MP claiming for items he could clearly afford will go down worse than the idea of a Labour MP (possibly a former nurse) “flipping” properties in order to claim the maximum allowance. Both MPs are guilty, but the Tory MP will come off worse.

So, if I had made it on to the air yesterday I would have said exactly that. Wealthy Tory MPs who have abused the system should pay it all back, or be sacked. Thank goodness David Cameron has acted so firmly and quickly to this effect. As activists, we simply can’t defend the indefensible.

TYC’s Verdict: Cameron is spot on – if any MP can’t keep their fingers out of the public purse, they should keep their backsides off the green benches.