Expenses reforms branded 'shambles' by MP

The head of the new Commons expenses watchdog was today accused of making a "two-fingered salute" to parliament by a senior MP.

Tory Adam Afriyie, the unofficial Commons "shop steward" on expenses, hit out at Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority chairman Sir Ian Kennedy 24 hours before new expenses rules are unveiled.

Self-made millionaire Mr Afriyie, who does not claim expenses, accused Sir Ian of pushing ahead with "cosmetic changes" rather than fundamental reforms demanded by MPs. He described the process as a "complete shambles" and vowed backbenchers would push ahead with radical changes if the new regime does not save money.

The attack on Sir Ian dashes hopes that tomorrow's new set of rules will appease MPs' fury at the red tape and restrictions of the system, and it sets them on a collision course after David Cameron gave Ipsa until next month to come up with a better regime or face change.

In an exclusive interview with the Standard, Windsor MP Mr Afriyie said Ipsa's performance so far was "appalling" and risked creating a parliament of the rich.

"During my 20 years in business, I have never encountered such a useless, expensive and counterproductive expenses system," he said.

But he dismissed hopes tomorrow's new rules would deliver on demands for a simpler regime that is cheaper for the taxpayer, saying: "Sadly it seems that Ipsa's chairman will make only minor cosmetic changes in a two-fingered salute to the taxpayer, parliament and the Prime Minister."