The text comments flying around between MPs regarding Jacquie Smith’s husband are not for the content of this blog, However, under the jokes lies an absolute disbelief that anyone could be so idiotic or brazen as to pay for adult movies, and then charge them to the expense account?

I have spent weeks defending Jacquie Smith. I really felt for her over the second homes allowance.

When I was selected for my seat I had a family home in the Cotswolds with a 12 year old daughter who was at school with children she had attended playgroup with. I inherited a wonderful job which meant I had to spend 80 hrs per week in London and a constituency in Bedfordshire I was expected to base myself in quickly. My family quickly broke up with children all over the place, literally.

I spent my first years like a demented homing pigeon trying to keep everyone happy and most of the time failing spectacularly.

This is why I felt for her. She may have had a local party who insisted her children attended local schools and a department in London who wanted her to spend 100 hrs in her department and a Westminster office which needed her also.

She divided her family to fit in with her job and I know only too well what that feels like and the consequences it can bring. And so, against the grain,  I have been on national radio fighting the corner of the woman, the wife, the mother and the MP. And now this.

Oh what a Pratt! In case you’re in any doubt, I’m referring to her husband however, I suppose if the cap fits me!

I am defending second homes allowance tonight on 5 Live and in the morning on LBC. Someone has to. The majority of MPs are totally wet on this issue and allow the media to trample all over them. The public should know the facts, all of them, not simply the ones the journalists want them to know.