The releasing of British MPs expense reports caused outrage amongst the general public and led to resignations and an official investigation by Sir Thomas Legg.
Boris Johnson, a conservative politician, became the Mayor of London in May 2008. He was also editor of The Spectator, a comment and current affairs magazine.
Gordon Brown has been the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom since June 2007, having come to power after Tony Blair stood down as leader of the Labour Party.
The United Kingdom is a Parliamentary Democracy, with the Prime Minsiter acting as Head of the Government. The Parliament is organised into two 'Houses'.