GIVING power to the people is a familiar refrain from politicians, so yesterday’s declaration by David Cameron that a Tory government would shift influence from the political elite to the man and woman in the street comes with more than a hint of deja vu.

The difference this time, of course, is that people are so incensed by the MPs’ expenses scandal that the main parties have no option but to deliver radical change.

We welcome much of what Mr Cameron has promised – but there lies a problem at the heart of British politics.

Voters take politicians’ promises with an increasingly large pinch of salt.

Nevertheless, fixed-term Parliaments, more free votes, greater freedom for local councils, and the publication on-line of expenses – creating a so-called army of armchair auditors – are appealing steps to consider.

At a time when the British MP is a deeply unpopular species, the notion of slashing the number of MPs will also be seen by many as an attractive way of cutting public expenditure.

But it is a dangerous path to tread.

We need MPs who are closer to the people they represent – not more detatched.

By reducing the number of MPs, we run the risk of further diluting the service they can provide on behalf of those who elected them.

The priority is to clear out those who have shamelessly milked the old system – and identify candidates who can rebuild the reputation of Parliament with the aid of a robust and transparent new system.

And greater accountability demands closer contact.