Andrew talks to the Chron: MPs' expenses (Andrew Simpson)

Andrew talks to the Chron: MPs' expenses

April 12, 2010 12:00 AM

Talking to the Chron ahead of the paper's MPs' expenses coverage, Parliamentary Candidate for Northampton North, Andrew Simpson, said:

"Labour and the Conservatives have consistently misled voters over MPs' pay and second jobs.

"Both parties worked to extend the use of tax-free expenses on top of their backbench and Ministerial salaries when in government.

"Until a few weeks ago, MPs could claim for Waitrose food, John Lewis furniture, first-class travel and second mortgages.

"Worse, MPs are still allowed to take lucrative second jobs and put their partners on the public payroll.

"Liberal Democrats were the only party to vote for Freedom of Information requests to be applied to MPs' expenses, but this was blocked by Labour and the Conservatives.

"Cutting expenses is an important part of the picture. But shedding light on lobbying, tightening up rules for second jobs and putting an end to MPs' paying their partners still need to be reformed."

ENDS

Notes to editors:

To read the Chron's article, 'Expenses will figure in election campaign', click onto their website at:

http://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/news/Expenses-will-figure-in-election.6218736.jp