Indy on Sunday Jumps on Telegraph's Coat-tails

Now this is funny. Rather late in the day, The Independent on Sunday is emailing MPs trying to outdo the Telegraph on MP expenses. They have emailed the following to various MPs. I'll be interested to see if they got a single response.

PRESS INQUIRY: MPS’ EXPENSES

PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL

The Independent on Sunday is preparing continued extensive coverage of the MPs' allowances and expenses issue, for publication this week. You will be aware that some details of expenses details claimed over the past four years have been revealed by the Daily Telegraph in recent weeks.

However, rather than rely on that newspaper for information on MPs' claims, we are compiling our own details of expenses and allowances claimed over the past four years. In the interests of balance, we would be grateful if you could provide full details of your claims during this period, or indicate where the information is already available – for example, in a local newspaper. Do you believe the expenditure detailed within them is reasonable, and that you represent good value for money for taxpayers? Are you satisfied that you can justify every item included in your claims? Please specify, in the light of current concerns, any items you now consider to be questionable.

If you have any queries about the above, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Regards

Brian Brady, Whitehall Editor, Independent on Sunday.

I imagine there will be some hollow laughs at Telegraph Towers this afternoon!