Hugh Robertson calls for greater transparency over MP's expenses

At the Annual General Meeting of his constituency association, Hugh Robertson MP called for greater transparency over Members of Parliament's allowances.

Hugh Robertson, the Member of Parliament for Faversham and Mid Kent, used the Annual General Meeting of his constituency association to call for greater transparency over Members of Parliament’s allowances. During the last financial year, he was ranked as one of the 10% of MPs who had claimed the smallest allowances.

Following recent disclosures about the John Lewis List, Hugh said, “The ongoing controversy over Members of Parliament’s expenses is doing untold damage to the reputation of Parliament. It is utterly wrong that a system should have grown up whereby allowances should be seen by a small minority as a proxy for salary and the system is in need of total reform. This should be done on a cost neutral basis.

Ever since I have been in Parliament, my expenses are open for any constituent who wishes to examine them. Given the current controversy, I would also like to make the following absolutely clear.

Firstly, I had never heard of the ‘so called’ John Lewis List until the Freedom of Information request and have never purchased anything from it.

Secondly, I have never employed any relative on the staffing allowance.

Thirdly, I rent my second home in London.

It is completely unacceptable that the activities of a few should do so much damage to the institution of Parliament. I would absolutely support a completely open and transparent system.