Harriet Harman, leader of the Commons, was adamant: “We get it. We’re going to sort it out.” After a week of lurid revelations, only a few brave MPs are still ready to stand up and defend the way they worked the Westminster expenses system.

Shahid Malik, justice minister, on Friday made one last heroic defence of the old way of doing things, including charging £730 for a massage chair. Shortly before being suspended, Mr Malik proclaimed: “I’ve done nothing wrong.”