THE image of modern British politics is tarnished by the cynicism felt for politicians.

Never has the esteem for ministers and MPs been so low.

The challenge facing all politicians at the next, and subsequent, elections is to persuade the public that the trust placed in them is not misplaced.

There is a suspicion that politicians are obsessed with spin and presentation. And there is a false perception that devotion to self-interest is more prevalent than a devotion to public service.

The emergence of details of Stockton North MP Frank Cook's claim for allowances relating to his London home does nothing to alter that misconception.

It is reassuring that House of Commons authorities rejected Mr Cook's attempt to get taxpayers to foot the bill for garden landscaping and paving.

It will be a decision welcomed by the people of Stockton North, who will be bemused by Mr Cook's insistence that his claim was reasonable, and outraged by his remark that £1,450 is "not a hell of a lot of money".

There is no reason to question Mr Cook's insistence that he is spending so much time looking after his constituents that he has no time for gardening.

But if he is devoting so much time to the care of his constituents he ought to know that, although £1,450 may be small change for a well-paid MP, in the eyes of the people of Stockton North it is a hell of a lot of money.

And if his job is so demanding, his constituents have a right to ask how he can find the time to demand an inquiry to find out who leaked details of a claim which has every reason to be in the public domain.