Guido has been amusing himself with a new toy this afternoon. The Commons Performance Cockpit is designed to introduce some business metrics to the Commons. Using expenses data and MPs attendance and performance information, you can rank Members on value for money.

One fact caught Guido’s attention:

“MP Dennis Skinner wins Commons voting record: He voted in 98.4% of all debates in 2010. Compare this with the member for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath who managed to vote in only 33 (13%) of the debates. Relate this to their total costs per debate they voted in and we find Mr Skinner cost £321 whilst Mr Brown cost £3,164 each time they voted.”

Now there is a surprise.