The Expenses Files Online

It's a truth universally acknowledged, that a politician in possession of a seat in the House of Commons, must be in want of a dodgy expenses claim. However little known the feelings or views of such an individual may be on their first entering parliament, this truth is so well fixed in the minds of the surrounding families, that these politicians are considered the rightful property of some or other of their number.

"My dear Mr. Darling," said his lady to him one day, "have you heard that we can flip homes at last?"

Mr Darling replied that he had not.

"But it is possible," returned she; "for Ms Blears has just been here, and she told me all about it."

Mr Darling made no answer.

"Do you not want to know how it works?" cried his wife impatiently.

"You want to tell me, and I have no objection to hearing it."

This was invitation enough.

TURNING STATES' EVIDENCE

At 8am on Tuesday June 23 2009, the Daily Telegraph published The Expenses Files, offering detailed access to MPs' expense claims since 2001. Some of the most significant claims are reproduced in full. Find out about Douglas Hogg's desperate need to maintain his moat and David Chaytor's claim for a mortgage that didn't exist. Yes, the mercenary manoeuverings of those gloriously upstanding, honourable, selfless and deeply publically spirited souls who cheat on expenses in the name of a brighter fairer Britain for all, are shown here in the great and damning glow of their own venality. It's all fully searchable and users can begin their investigations by postcode, location, constituency or MPs' names. 

The Expenses Files also includes MPs' biographies, an in depth archive of all the coverage of each politician involved in the scandal - including their own reaction and the view of the public - and a PDF of the Green Book, the famous guide to MPs' allowances. You can discover which MPs are the most expensive and - in case you think that the Daily Telegraph is having too much fun here - the paper also reveals the saints in parliament, those exalted politicos who do not endeavour to get everything they can out of the public purse. There is also a space for you to offer your manifesto for consideration in this most revolutionary of British political times.

TONY BLAIR AND THE ACCIDENTAL SHREDDING

Tony Blair is said to be extremely disappointed that the public will not have the opportunity to scrutinise his expense claims. In an incident described by Alistair Campbell as "most unfortunate and wholly accidental", Mr Blair's claims were inadvertently shredded by a graduate trainee who took Blair's cry of "get rid of all the evidence and do it now" as a literal commandment rather than the metaphorical expression of exasperation it undoubtedly was.