Summary Of Living The High Life On The Public Purse By Jacky Fleming

In Figure 3, Jacky Fleming criticizes the issue of MPs’ expenses scandal. “Living the high life on the public purse!” summarizes the truth that MPs’ expenses are claimed from taxpayers. MPs’ expenses scandal started from the Daily Telegraph’s disclosure of widespread misuses of MPs’ claimed allowances and expenses. MPs take advantage of taxpayers’ money to maximize their personal financial wellbeing and live a luxurious life (Alison Park & John Curtice, 2010). They claim for additional costs allowance for their second homes, communications allowance, incidental expenses provision, and even claims for clearing a moat and maintaining swimming pools (News. BBC, 2009). It’s ironic in a sense that according to the declaration of MPs’ claims for additional costs allowance, MPs are supposed to confirm that they incurred these costs “wholly, exclusively and necessarily” to enable them to perform their duties as Members of Parliament (MPs Allowances, n.d.). …show more content…
The side faces of ordinary people are not portrayed in detail. Rough sketch of the outline of faces implicates that the public was unaware of MPs’ behaviors before. On the contrast, features on the MP’s face are clearly depicted—mouth ajar and eyes staring down at the old man’s purse. This contrast highlights the avarice of MPs who claim money from taxpayers for their self-interests. Another contrast is the outfits of ordinary people and MP’s. The luxurious and elegant suits show MP’s overall wellbeing, representing wealthy people in the society. The image of MP emphasizes the disconnection between citizens and elected