New influx: Rookie MPs prepare to learn rules

THE General Election has seen the biggest influx of new MPs for decades after a record 149 MPs stood down – many due to the expenses scandal.

By The Newsroom

Published 7th May 2010, 23:15 BST

Updated 7th May 2010, 23:15 BST

About half the chamber will be replaced by rookie parliamentarians. The new MPs will first visit a new reception area to get their photo-identity pass, plus a laptop, email account and telephone extension number.

They will initially be allocated "hot desking office space" until their permanent offices are ready. Offices are allocated by the party whips and Commons staff have warned that this could take some time.

The new rules governing MPs' expenses are now in play, with the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa) solely responsible for assessing and determining all claims. Ipsa also has responsibility for the payment of salaries to MPs and their staff.

MPs will be able to submit their expense claims through a new online system, on which they will receive training.

MPs