a snapshot of westminster

MPs are bracing themselves for another backlash as their expenses are being published by parliament in the morning; none more so than David Miliband. The Telegraph is carrying an exclusive revelation that Mr Miliband employed a professional photographer for his entries into the All-Party Photographic competition sponsored by Jessops. Invoices totalling £225 were found for "photographic work undertaken" by a local cameraman.

Mr Miliband denies any wrongdoing claiming earlier that it was "all within the rules". His entry "Bananas in the Wind" was described as 'lacking in understanding', 'juvenile', and 'possibly the kind of thing a cougar would want as a trophy on her wall' and failed to score a single mark from any of the judges.

The competition has been dogged with controversy since it's inception. In 2007 the Member for Twatt and Birsay was disqualified after judges noticed that Photoshop had been used to alter the composition of the photograph to add a ridiculous and unnatural smile on Gordon Brown's face. Allegations of vote rigging, dodgy telephone lines, bribery and sabotage have been made each year but none of these claims have never been substantiated.

MPs are expected to call for an independent body to be set up to oversee the competition.