EXPENSES – HOUSE OF COMMONS

Like virtually everybody in Britain, I am appalled over some of the disclosures of expenses claims made by Members of Parliament on both sides of the House.

It is disgraceful that some MPs have chosen to claim for items and services that have absolutely nothing to do with their political activities. Furthermore, the ‘flipping’ from one house to another to gain advantages in taxation and additional expenses is completely unacceptable.

I am campaigning to become a Member of Parliament because I want to work for a fair, prosperous, peaceful and safe society. That has always been my purpose, underpinned by some strong political beliefs including freedom of the individual, international cooperation, thriving local communities and proper opportunities for life fulfilment.

I am, therefore, very angry to be distracted by this entire business and to be tainted by association. When I make a promise or a statement, I expect to be believed but my confidence in this has been shaken because I can quite understand why many electors would be doubtful of anyone involved in politics.

I am, however, delighted by the firm and typically radical action by David Cameron in insisting that all Conservative Members refund the payments as appropriate. I also welcome his outright banning of manoeuvres by Conservatives for financial gain in public life. I hope that Gordon Brown will have the courage if not quite the urgency to insist on the same from Labour Members.

Yours sincerely

Neil Carmichael