The move to ban MPs from employing family members in their offices will not improve Parliament one bit, a county MP believes.

But Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Stephen Crabb, whose wife Beatrice works as an executive secretary in his office, said all MPs have to accept the decision.

South Pembrokeshire MP Nick Ainger employs his wife Sally as a senior caseworker.

The ban (to be phased in over five years) is one of a range of expenses proposals drawn up by Sir Christopher Kelly.

Mr Ainger said: “I welcome Sir Christopher’s sensible recommendation that there will be a transition period of up to five years covering the employment of family members.

“My wife Sally has been working hard for my constituents for may years and it is very unfair that her service has been tarnished by the actions of a very small number of MPs who totally abused the system.”

Mr Crabb told the Western Telegraph: “Sir Christopher Kelly’s report is an important further step in restoring trust in Parliament. It is by no means a perfect document, but frankly, the time for arguing over minor points has long gone.

“I don’t honestly think that banning spouses from working for MPs will improve Parliament one bit. Most do a fantastic job.

“They all are now required to work to full employment contracts and are paid in line with proper public sector salary scales.

“However, Sir Christopher Kelly has decided that these arrangements should now go and MPs will need to accept that decision.”

Mr Crabb acknowledged that the mood of the public was for ‘root and branch’ reform and said it was essential that MPs show that the message is getting through.

He added: “The new Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority will now need to work out a way for this change to be brought in which is in line with established employment law.”