Gordon Brown’s move to force Labour members of the European parliament to publish receipts for future expenses claims was brokered in last-minute conference calls with Glenis Willmott, the Labour leader in the Brussels-based legislature.

The pledge came too late to be included in Labour’s manifesto for the European elections being held in less than a fortnight’s time. The move, setting a precedent for the European parliament, reflects the extent to which British political leaders are concerned about the fallout from the furore over Westminster expenses.