SalfordOnline

Worsley MP goes on record about expenses

by Tom Rodgers

After the latest round of political careers coming to an end over misdirected expenses, one Labour MP shows that she's got nothing to hide by going into depth about what she spends her parliamentary expenses on.

When looking at the naked figures - and they're all there for you to see on sites like www.theyworkforyou.com - £150,000 seems like a vast amount to spend on expenses.

But as Worsley MP Barbara Keeley discusses, a large amount of the so-called expenses are taken up by staff on payroll, and the rent, bills and utilities of her Walkden constituency office. She herself is, like so many people now, in negative equity having taken out her mortgage on a flat in London when she was elected in 2005.

This contrasts wildly with some other MPs (I think you know who I'm referring to) who have profited from the second homes allowance at the taxpayer's expense.

She also suggested that the current Parliamentary system - where Bills are debated late into the night - be overhauled to look more like the Scottish system, where bills are debated at the same time every day, so members know when they can travel back to their constituencies.

For example, Ms Keeley said she was still debating the new Equality Bill in the Commons at 2am, making travel plans very tricky and certainly more expensive.

Comment by Guest  6th July 2009 I think she comes across well in that.

Comment by Guest  6th July 2009 What a shame 150 grand expenses LISTERN!!! When pensioners cant afford to keep warm and don’t eat the right diets and their homes are uninhabitable and don’t even complain it makes Keeley look a right fool. If you cant cope don’t do it.

Comment by Guest  6th July 2009 About time someone was open and honest about her expenses. Well done Barbara. I'm in your constituency and just wish other Salford MPs (we all know who) were this honest. WorsleyProfessional

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