The main issue on the doorstep and I imagine this is the same for all parties out canvassing at the moment - is undoubtedly MP's expenses. It is shocking what some MP's have been up to, not all I must stress, and it is also shocking that in some cases the court of public opinion tars all polticians however minor with the same brush. I personally do not claim any expenses from the council. I do take up my allowance which is just over 6k a year ( not at all enough to pay one mortgage, let alone one on a second home) - but I don't claim for any fuel expenses etc, etc. In terms of the Westminster state of affairs it is a system that has to be changed and I think David Cameron has shown some real leadership on this matter in the last week. For the good of everybody in this country I hope it gets sorted as soon as possible.
Overall though it was a succesful day - with a great level of support for the Conservatives. From the people I speak to it is not just that they want to send Gordon Brown a message at these Local & European elections - they genuinely want a Conservtive Government so change can happen in this country. Im off later on to do some canvassing in my own patch with our fantastic candidate for Andover North Pam Mutton.
Cllr E Charnley, County Cllr P West & Myself
1 comment:
Great to see you have started this blog Phil. I have been watching the news about MP's expenses with interest. I too have never claimed any expenses. However I think this is not so much about claiming expenses, but rather more about how some MP's seem intent on bending the rules and in some cases breaking them for personal profit.
I do think that David Cameron has a feel for how disgusted the public are, and has taken the initiative to deal with this within our own party. Leaving the current Prime Minister to follow in David's footsteps, showing how lacking in leadership Gordon Brown really is.
Another figure in parliament who seems to be completely out of touch with the public's outrage at this scandal, is the Speaker of the House Michael Martin. How long he keeps his position, and we have a more capable person in the job, with more respect remains to be seen.
Cllr Ellie Charnley
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