MPs vote to reject proposed second jobs ban

MPs have voted against a proposed second jobs ban after a heated debate in the House of Commons today.

The proposal, put forward by Ed Miliband, called for a ban on politicians holding paid directorships, consultancies or trade union roles in a move that the Labour leader said would "restore public trust" after the recent cash for access scandal.

MPs rejected the proposals 287 votes to 219 in a move that means they can continue to take on secondary paid work alongside their electoral duties.

Prime Minister David Cameron defended politician's rights to continue working second jobs.

He said "We have practising doctors in this House, we have practising dentists, we have people who take part serving our country in Afghanistan or Iraq and we do have people who run family businesses or have other interests.

"What you want is a Parliament where people can come and share their experience and make some points instead of just having a whole lot of trade union-sponsored ciphers."

The vote came the day after former Conservative foreign secretary Sir Malcolm Rifkind stepped down as chairman of the Parliamentary Intelligence and Security Committee, following allegations he had been prepared to use his position and contacts to help others in exchange for payment.