14/05/09 - MP's Expenses, Cllr Justin Tomlinson - Swindon Advertiser

I, like any other taxpayer, have been watching the disgraceful and relentless revelations about the expenses claims of a number of Members of Parliament from all parties.  I, and pretty much any right-minded person, have nothing but contempt and disgust at the conduct of some MPs.

As the parliamentary candidate for North Swindon, I am furious that the actions of a minority of MPs has now tarnished all politicians. Therefore I wanted to clarify my own stance on expenses should I be successful at the next general election.

Firstly, as a Swindon resident myself, I would never claim a penny in expenses to live in the town I represent.  I would continue to live in Swindon, allowing me to share and understand the local issues I need to raise as the local MP.  Furthermore, I am personally opposed to the second home allowance, which not only allows MPs to claim annually up to £23,000 for a second home, but also permits them to keep any profit made on that property.  This money should be returned to the taxpayer.  For those MPs who have to travel a greater distance, standard accommodation could be provided which would remain in the ownership of the public; or basic hotel accommodation, whichever is judged fairest to the taxpayer.

Secondly, the Communications Allowance should be scrapped.  This allows MPs to claim up to £10,000 per year to promote themselves.  The taxpayer should never be expected to fund self-promotion.  This can be done for free using the local media, or through normal self-funded political activity.

Thirdly, the level of pay and expenses should be determined and bound by an independent body and not MPs themselves.  This should be extended to all levels of political representation, including councillors.

Fourthly, the rules on miscellaneous expenses should be tightened up.  No MP should be able to claim for stamp duty, TV bills, furniture, etc., and all receipts should be published within 28 days so the public can hold the MPs to account.

I am not judging any individual MP; they are accountable to the public for their own actions, and rightly so.  However, as a Councillor for nine years who has chosen not to claim a single penny beyond the standard allowance, I can promise that, if elected as an MP, I would be able to look any local resident in the eye with the confidence that I have only been paid what is fair and justifiable.

Swindon Advertiser Letters Page

Cllr Justin Tomlinson
North Swindon Conservative Parliamentary Candidate
64 Queen Elizabeth Drive, Taw Hill, Swindon SN25 1UF