MP's Expenses - The public are justifiably angry

Anne Main comments on today's announcement by David Cameron on MP's expenses.

Commenting on today's announcement by David Cameron on MP's expenses, Anne Main, MP for St Albans, said:

"All of us as Members of Parliament have to completely accept the public outrage surrounding many of the claims which have been revealed in recent days. I believe we should completely overhaul the system, and not pull something together in a knee jerk fashion. I am pleased to hear that the Conservative Party will be taking a robust line on this.

However, until we receive the results of the independent Kelly Review, I think it is only correct that we are seen to grasp the nettle. I fully support the suggestions from David Cameron that we should now be publishing second home claims as they are submitted and that our claims, in future, should be limited to claims such as utilities, rent/mortgage (interest only), service charges, hotel bills and council tax. I do not believe that it is acceptable to 'flip' one's home for personal gain or attempt to be creative with one's address for tax purposes.

Any extravagant claims should, indeed, be paid back. I feel it is reasonable that Members of Parliament should be able to make modest and transparent claims for their second home, either in Westminster or their constituency, which helps to support them in their duties. Obviously, being an MP is not a normal 'nine to five' job and I think the public recognise that, but we do have to ensure that we are not seen to be feathering our own nests and only making modest claims for costs incurred that would not otherwise be incurred if we were not Members of Parliament.

Since the Conservatives voted to abolish the controversial "John Lewis List" I have personally and voluntarily decided to abide by that, even though it was not passed by Parliament. I gather that position will now be formally adopted by all members of the Conservative Parliamentary Party and I believe this is the correct way forward.

The public are justifiably angry. They expect us to work hard on their behalf and spend taxpayers' money wisely. There are no excuses for not facing into this matter, which has completely tarnished all of us. We owe the public an apology, and we must sort out our act and humbly accept an improved system.""