MPs expenses: why I'm going to publish details myself

This week the Westminster establishment will try to pass a law that would exempt MPs from the Freedom of Information Act and allow MP expenses to remain secret.  

I've had enough of this farce.  I decided over the weekend that at the end of this financial year (April 2009), I'll be publishing a detailed breakdown of all the things I've claimed for as an MP over the year.  Want to see what I spend on travel or rent?  I'm going to put it on-line for all to see.  

My colleague, Ben Wallace MP, had the courage to show the way, and I now intend to follow his lead.  

This nonsense once again underlines that there is something profoundly wrong with the way Westminster is run.  Speaker Michael Martin is not up to the job, and his good old boy gatherings Speaker Committee system simply isn't delivering credible or effective leadership.  They might hate me for saying so, but they don't live in Clacton. 

Mr Martin ought to unilaterally declare that Commons officials will place a breakdown of each MPs expenses on-line at the end of every financial year - and tell MPs who complained that if you spend public money, you must be accountable to the public for how you spend that money. 

Incidentally, if some MPs don't have the moral nous to see that, how can they possibly have the moral nous to make judgements over vastly more complex subjects, like Gaza, or education, or today's Policing Bill?

Posted on 19 January 2009 by Douglas Carswell

Comments

Congratulations - Hope many others follow your lead. Have asked The Times to publish the voting names on a Yes and No basis.
This act of MP's could be the straw that broke the camel's back.
Not because of double standards - we are used to that - but of TIMING.
Broke Britain and self serving MP's are like oil and water.

Posted on 19 January 2009 11:53 by Colin Holland

This is a good move,Mr Carswell although one of my colleagues mentioned that you had pledged to do this last year.

This cover-up has resonated amongst voters in our discussion groups and it's to be hoped that not only will others follow your example but you will help devise a way to name and shame others or to get the information into the public domain whether the Speaker and his henchmen like it or not!

Posted on 19 January 2009 13:55 by JOHN HARRIS

Well done Douglas! Knowing your commitment to dragging Parliament, albeit screaming in protest, into the 21st century, I would have expected nothing less. I hope you get to speak plainly in the debate to ensure that the super-inflated egos who govern us should learn some humility.

Posted on 19 January 2009 16:48 by John H Hall

Well done, Mr Carswell!
Now perhaps you can persuade the entire conservative opposition to do the same, as a contrast to the venal government. Think how this would resonate with the electorate at large (who seem to be pretty cheesed off about this issue).

Posted on 19 January 2009 16:48 by Elizabeth Elliott-Pyle

I commend your position and all of the comments above. The Westminster Village just not get it. Cameron needs to employ a three line line whip. Any MP voting against should be deselected.
Enough is enough.

Posted on 20 January 2009 07:26 by M P Tagg

Well done sir! Some transparency at Westminster at last! Hopefully others will follow suit.

Posted on 20 January 2009 10:18 by The Miserable Swine

Just remind me why we need any of these MPs at all.

Posted on 20 January 2009 11:03 by Mark Forster

I don't believe it.. an honest politician :)

Posted on 20 January 2009 12:07 by Sue

No receipts no expenses - just like real life.

I hope others will follow your lead

Posted on 20 January 2009 12:53 by Stephen Folan

An honest MP. Wonders will never cease. Roger Dewhurst

Posted on 21 January 2009 00:26 by Roger Hugh Dewhurst

Good on you, Mr. Carswell, and a very sincere thank-you. You are a credit to your party.

The dishonest - if not outright corrupt - attempt to suppress expense account information demonstrates how out-of-touch many of our politicians are. They clearly see themselves as public rulers, not servants and have underestimated the depth of resentment the public feels on this issue. The resultant "them-and-us" culture will be hugely detrimental to the future of the UK.

Once again, a heartfelt "bravo!" for demonstrating honesty, integrity and principles on this matter. I am increasingly drawn to voting Conservative on this matter alone.

Posted on 21 January 2009 11:29 by Matt Kane

It's a shame I don't live in your electorate. I would love to know what it feels like to actually be able to vote for an honest MP.

Posted on 23 January 2009 11:45 by Russell

Well done indeed Douglas,we need many more like you,infact my opinion is that we need you leading the Conservative party,say what your electorate think and hell to the consequences,

Posted on 19 May 2009 16:49 by Cliff

Well done Mr. Carswell. Your constituents are very lucky to have someone so honest and trustworthy. Very best wishes for the future.

Posted on 20 May 2009 11:41 by Maureen Turner

Far more important than actually being honest about expenses, as we ordinary taxpayers have to be, I hear that you, Douglas Carswell, still think the reality of climate change is a matter you can dismiss. You need to fill in the gaps in your education, so you'd be capable of understanding why we with a grasp of the sciences involved regard your recent comments with contempt. I would never vote for you because your judgement and maturity aren't up to the job.

Posted on 14 October 2009 15:40 by Julian Gower

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