POLITICIANS usually make sure they pick their fights carefully.

So either Bournemouth West MP Conor Burns, has done just that or he is shooting from the hip, which is unlikely.

His row with Oxfam over its latest advertising campaign and the alleged misuse of donations has escalated, with 75 charities and campaign groups accusing him of trying to stifle debate.

Mr Burns denies this. His general comments on vested political interests in the sector may be somewhat sweeping.

But there is certainly a wider argument that charities should be more accountable and transparent.