Cameron outlines plan to reform Parliament

The Conservative leader has pledged to deliver a radical shake-up of the parliamentary system in a bid to win back voters' trust after the expenses scandal.

In an in-depth article in the Guardian, David Cameron wrote that he will curb the power of the prime minister and boost the role of Parliament, promising a "massive redistribution of power" to regain public confidence in the government.

Proposed reforms include the introduction of fixed-term parliaments, ending the right of Downing Street to "control the timing of general elections", boosting the power of backbench MPs and limiting the power of executives by allowing MPs to choose Commons select committees, giving MPs free votes on bills at committee stage, strengthening local government and limiting the use of the royal prerogative.

"I believe the central objective of the new politics we need should be a massive, sweeping, radical redistribution of power," he said.

"From the state to citizens; from the government to Parliament; from Whitehall to communities. From the EU to Britain; from judges to the people; from bureaucracy to democracy.

"Through decentralisation, transparency and accountability we must take power away from the political elite and hand it to the man and woman in the street."

Cameron also proposed publishing the expenses claims of all public servants earning more than £150,000.

In response, Jack Straw said it was "good to see the Conservatives catching up at last".

"I have listened carefully to David Cameron's contribution and today invite him to nominate a representative to join cross party talks on these reforms," added the justice secretary.