"It is deeply worrying DFID is failing to demand real evidence of the impact of CDC in reducing poverty and that it failed to keep tabs on executive pay, " said shadow international development spokesman Andrew Mitchell.

BBC: Poverty chief 'paid nearly ?1m'

But they keep the spotlight on Mrs Arroyo, and plunge into shadow the question of whether any of the candidates would govern any better than she has.

ECONOMIST: Anyone but Arroyo

Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the police and security services had to be able to keep up with new technology, but there must be "clear checks and balances" on what they were able to do and "strong safeguards to protect people's privacy".

BBC: UK Politics