CAROL WOODS LAUNCHES EXPENSES PLEDGES (Durham Liberal Democrats)

Durham Liberal Democrats <info@durhamlibdems.org.uk>

CAROL WOODS LAUNCHES EXPENSES PLEDGES

August 14, 2009 12:00 AM

Carol Woods, the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson for Durham, has launched a contract with local people in which she lays out her five key promises on MPs' expenses. These include never claiming for her food or furniture.

In the list of 'Five Parliamentary Pledges' to be delivered to 35,000 houses across Durham, Carol draws a clear dividing line between herself and the current Labour MP for Durham.

Carol Woods said, "People are understandably angry that many MPs have abused the system. At the next General Election there is a chance for real change. The promises I am making illustrate to local residents that they can rely on my to do the job of MP for their benefit, not for mine.

"My position is clear. I will never claim for my food or furniture, and I will never claim anything without a receipt. MPs have previously been able to put in claims of up to £25 a day on just a nod and a wink and that is unacceptable.

"I am also promising never to vote to cover up expenses. On 3rd July 2008, the current Labour MP for Durham voted against independent audits of MPs' expenses. That would have allowed shameful practices to continue had the newspapers not forced the issue into the open.

"Finally, I am also pledging to publish full details of my expenses every month. The current system of yearly publication allows for items to be hidden away in a mass of receipts and invoices. Publishing on a monthly basis will allow people to see what has been claimed for and to be confident that those claims are wholly necessary and appropriate.

"It is startling that Durham's current MP has broken every one of the promises I am making. I would call on all those who have been angered by the expenses scandal to back my campaign to clean up politics so we can get on with the important job of getting the best for the people of Durham."

Carol's five Expenses Pledges are:

1. Never claim for furniture or household goods;

2. Never claim for my food;

3. Never claim for anything without a receipt;

4. Never vote to cover up expenses;

5. Publish full details of my expenses on my website every month.