One job entrusted to the Speaker of the House of Commons is to police MPs' expenses - a particularly important role when there is so much distrust of them.
Yet for the second week running, the Sunday Mirror has found that the system is being twisted by the Speaker himself.
Michael Martin is not breaking the law or even, he argues, the strict interpretation of the rules. But there is no doubt that, despite his £137,000-a-year salary and magnificent rent-free apartment in the Palace of Westminster, he is milking the system.
The Speaker should be leading by example - demonstrating to MPs as well as the public that the generous expenses allowances need not be abused for personal gain. Instead Mr Martin has his snout firmly in the trough.
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Last week we revealed how he used Air Miles obtained through fares paid by taxpayers to fund his family's flights.
Today we expose how he has claimed £75,000 to run a second home. MPs are allowed expenses to help pay for a constituency home. But the Speaker not only doesn't have to pay for his grace-and favour London apartment, he has no mortgage on his home in Scotland.
Mr Martin no longer retains the respect his high office demands. He is not fit to remain in his job. He should be replaced by a man or woman of unimpeachable integrity and honour, who can restore faith in the parliamentary expenses system.
