SHOPPERS in Westbourne in Sir John’s constituency said they were “disgusted” at the whole expenses scandal.

Most said they had not met the Tory grandee for Bournemouth West, but while some demanded he should go now, others said they didn’t mind if he waited until the next election to retire.

Clement Mmoledi, 38, an IT consultant from Westbourne, said: “I have never met him. The first time I saw him was on TV this morning. It has gone on long enough [claiming for expenses]. It is good they were caught. I get angry when I think how much I’m paying. These people are just wasting it.”

A good MP but now he must go - constituents have their say

Margaret Russell, a retired administration manager from Canford Cliffs, said: “He should be got rid of. It’s really appalling when you think how here everyone else struggles along. I think they should all go right now and that we should have an election. We need new people.”

Philip Whittaker, 71, from Talbot Woods, said: “I think the whole thing is disgusting. They have been caught with their pants down, with their snouts in the trough.

“Good luck to the people at the Telegraph who are doing all the investigative journalism or using the information they have had to call these people to task. I have never met him and I’ve been here since the 1980s.”

Emily Kitchener, 20, an administrator, and her sister, Laura Kitchener, 21, a single mum from Kinson, said they were appalled.

Emily said: “I think it takes the mick. I think he should step down right now.”

Laura added: “If he did a good job more people would know about him. I think they need to consider other people more sometimes.”

Simon Cummins, 41, a chef from Westbourne, said: “I have met him. I used to be a chef in the BIC. He was OK.

“I think it [the expenses situation] is a disgrace. But this has been going on for many years.”

Antony Bowker, 32, an insurance advisor from Meyrick Park, said: “It’s an absolute disgrace. At the end of the day it’s our fault for not getting involved.”

Lewis Alves, 45, a chef from Westbourne said: “I think the whole thing [Parlia-ment] should be dismantled now. Gordon Brown was not elected. The House of Lords we should also get rid of. I have been here for 20 years and I have never met any of these politicians.”

Sarah Jackson, 45, a children’s entertainer, said: “I have had an email from my MP for Richmond, Susan Kramer. She has offered a link to a page where the public can look at her expenses and can contact her directly. I do think other MPs should follow suit.”