When new prime ministers say they will restore integrity and trust to politics, people are sceptical. They note the promise with a knowing sigh. The same, we must suppose, applies to the pledges offered by prime ministers designate. So it was unfortunate that hours after Gordon Brown announced a new era in British politics, his lieutenants voted to tighten the secrecy surrounding the financial affairs of MPs.

Mr Brown would say that these two events were unconnected. Open and accountable government has long been part of his leadership pitch. Technically speaking, the subsequent House of Commons vote to exempt MPs from the public scrutiny that comes with the Freedom of Information Act had nothing to do with ministers. It was proposed by a backbench Tory MP. The chancellor himself did not vote. Anyway, the measure also had the tacit backing of David Cameron's Conservatives.