” …In a series of stark findings, it shows:
Three quarters of Londoners believe MPs have not done enough to “clean up” politics, or improve its image, since the 2009 expenses storm.
More than half believe MPs are more motivated “by helping themselves” – with less than one in ten thinking they are primarily driven by the aim to “help others”.
Sixty per cent back a ban on MPs, elected for this Parliament, having second jobs outside the Commons.”
East Devon Watch 
Obviously not just Londoners – I suspect a similar survey in East Devon would give similar results.
But of course this is a generality – what it really says is that most politicians are untrustworthy probably because they have demonstrated either untrustworthy actions (like the expenses scandal, conflicts of interest, large funding by big business etc. etc. etc.) or that they are out of touch with the real issues facing voters or don’t listen or …
Obviously there are probably quite a few exceptions to this generality – politicians who through their actions persistently demonstrate a high level of integrity, who listen to their constituents / ward residents and represent their views and needs etc.
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Yes it is easy to cast the rotten apples as the majority.
Take for example the way the government suggests anyone not being a member of a hard working family, is a benefit scrounger .
Not all MPs claim 30 pence for a Mars bar either. I doubt Sarah Woolaston would though one more local to us has.
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In my mind, MPs should be able only to clam expenses along the same lines as employees of businesses.
I can’t think of many businesses who would entertain expense claims for snacks. In general terms, employees are expect to pay for e.g. their own lunches, snacks etc.
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