Politicians have been in the news for all the wrong reasons. A number of MPs, including the Home Secretary, have questions to answer. They must answer not just to the Parliamentary Watchdog but more importantly the general public – who after all, vote politicians in and out of office and pay MP salaries and expenses through their taxes.

Jacqui Smith and her husband have both been quick to apologise for claiming for adult films on expenses and rightly so. Mr Timney, Ms Smith’s husband, can hardly profess ignorance of the system as he is employed by Ms Smith as her assistant.

Reform of the system is well over due and the public need to know our MPs are beyond reproach and indeed are worthy of the title “Honourable”. Just because the old, outdated system has been used for years and MPs are claiming within the rules does not mean they should be beyond full and proper scrutiny.

To do their job properly MPs from outside London will have to travel and require accommodation whilst working at the House of Commons. However, an MP who claims for a house in his London constituency which his parents live in and which is only 9 miles away from the one he lives in, is, in my opinion, playing the system and abusing the trust placed in him by his electorate – which I hope they will remember at the next General Election.

The Watchdog or Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, Mr John Lyon, must make MPs of all parties accountable. Unfortunately, it appears Mr Lyons may be less challenging than his predecessor Elizabeth Filken who took on MPs and the self-regulatory system operated by Parliament. It is alleged that these challenges contributed to her leaving office to be replaced by Mr Lyon. I wonder if this is a case of if you do not like the heat, remove the fire.

The Watchdog must have some teeth and make all MPs stand accountable for their actions. The Government must bring forward their review and not wait for another year to roll by and the dust to settle. David Cameron has already introduced, last year, more transparent arrangements for Conservative MPs and last week urged Gordon Brown to act now, meet with Party Leaders and get this sorted out once and for all.  

For all MPs who are transparent and honest: I thank you, your public needs you. For all those working “within the rules”: I trust your voters will remember you at the General Election and take action at the ballot box.

Cllr Brian Bagnall
Bramhall South

This article, by Cllr Brian Bagnall, was first published by the Stockport Express 08/04/09.