Ex-sleaze fighter criticises Smith

Jacqui Smith is failing to show moral "leadership" by maximising her MPs' expenses while millions suffer the recession, a former anti-sleaze chief has warned.

Sir Alistair Graham, former chairman of the Committee on Standards in Public Life, said that although the Home Secretary might not technically have broken any Commons rules, she was not in the clear "politically".

Ms Smith has claimed £116,000 since 2001 by saying her family home in her Redditch constituency is her second home and the room she rents from her sister in London is her main home. But her neighbours in Nunhead have contradicted her claim and she is facing an inquiry.

Sir Alistair said: "When you're a senior Cabinet minister, it's about perception - particularly at a time of serious recession."