Expenses scandal continues to affect public’s trust in MPs

Public confidence in MPs has still not recovered following the expenses scandal that shook Westminster, according to new research.

A survey found just a fifth of the public think all or most politicians tell the truth while the same proportion believe they ensure public money is spent wisely and set a good example in their private lives.

The grim picture emerged in the latest research on attitudes for the Committee on Standards in Public Life.

The watchdog has been carrying out the polling every two years since 2004 and while faith in the judiciary and police has remained solid, the ratings for the political class have slumped.

Nine years ago 31% of the public in England thought all or most MPs told the truth, but by 2010, after the parliamentary allowances crisis, the level had dropped to 20%. It has not risen since.

The proportion convinced that all or most politicians make sure public money is spent wisely was anchored on 18% last year less than half its 2006 peak of 39%.

In 2004, 42% thought a large majority of MPs set a good example in their private lives, but that fell to 22% in 2010 and 20% in the most recent results.