MP’s Expenses

So the public is riled with the grossly excessive MP’s expenses. Blah, blah, you know all the tales. And now there is the Kelly report on how to “clean it up”. Yes, there are some good ideas. But as is the British way, it’s putting a band aid on to fix only a small part of the problem.

Has the bigger picture been looked at? No. Have we taken the opportunity of having a major overall review of the Parlimentary set up? No. Are there a number of MP’s who have very quietly said they will not stand at the next election? Yes – loads of them.

So why have so many effectively resigned their posts? Well, I expect the main thing is “life’s to short” stuff. They can simply make more money elsewhere – and be out of the public limelight. So in other words, the Press has hounded a number of people out. But is there a brainpower drain going on? Will they be replaced by better or worse people? Who knows.

My view is that there should be a complete re-vamp along the following lines:

• Reduce the Parliamentary seats from 660 odd down to 500 or even less. This will increase the physical size of constituency’s
• MP’s will become full time. No external posts are to be held. That way they can concentrate on running the country. And they cannot be “bought”. Just what is wrong with a full time professional politician?
• As they are full time, the basic salary will be at least £150k, plus expenses. That way, MP’s should take their duties seriously and be wholly accountable to their voters. After all, isn’t that is what Parliament is all about?
• By paying a proper salary, there should be a number of MP’s with a high level of intelligence. Well, there’s always hope……