QUANGO cronyism: Labour's jobs for the boys

It was a bit rich, today on the Daily Politics for Austin Mitchell* to cry nepotism for those MPs who employ their wives when QUANGOs, of which there are at least 1,150, are run by Labour cronies earning 6-figure salaries.

At a staggering cost of £90 bn in 2007/8, these organisations, identified by the Taxpayers' Alliance, are unelected and unaccountable to us. They increasingly define policy, thus further de-democratising this country.

QUANGOs cost each household an average of £3,640 per household.

If Austin Mitchell squeals about MPs hiring their spouses, then surely he should feel the same, if not more 'moral outrage' at QUANGO cronyism.

* Austin Mitchell, MP for Great Grimbsby, claimed over £85,000 over 4 years for his second home - more than many people earnin in a year. Other items he claimed for were:

window shutters, re-covering a settee, whisky, gin and even aspirin.