If I had a pound for every time I've heard the phrase "it's all within the rules" then I'd probably be able to buy myself a decent TV with enough left over for a tin opener and a few light bulbs.
The Telegraph newspapers have given MPs an uncomfortable time during the last 72 hours, and there is more to come.
The focus so far has largely been on Labour Ministers. Paul Murphy's plumbing arrangements and Kevin Brennan's (second) home entertainment have made headlines.
Paul Murphy is widely-regarded as an honest self-effacing politician, about as likely to enrich himself at public expense as he is to seek a high profile.
He may prefer to get on with the job privately but a publicity-shy approach can bring its own problems. Will voters remember him for his role in the political process in Northern Ireland and Wales or as the man who billed the taxpayer for a £6 tin opener and £1.98 worth of lightbulbs?
Most voters understand that MPs do work in two places, even if the rules are so lax you can claim for a home that is neither in your constituency nor London. Most voters don't understand how MPs can apparently maximise their expenses by "flipping" their choice of first and second home.
Funnily enough, I suspect some voters will resent more the small claims (one MP was re-imbursed 5p for a carrier bag, Jacqui Smith's bathplug cost 88p) than the bigger amounts for accommodation.
The Welsh Assembly's presiding officer, Dafydd Elis-Thomas, whose overnight "subsistence" in the House of Lords last year totalled £497 for the 27 days he attended, told the BBC: "I just don't know what they thought they were doing, and that they thought they could ever get away with it."
Perhaps the regime was tighter during Lord Elis-Thomas's 18 years as an MP, all before the Fredom of Information Act.
My colleague Felicity Evans did point out that Assembly Members have had the odd problem with expenses involving iPods, trouser presses etc. (I think it was an AM who first claimed for a Remembrance Day wreath, a habit that has caught on with one Tory MP).
Lord Elis-Thomas pointed out that the claims were of a slightly smaller scale - and backed by receipts.
Showing posts with label Kevin Brennan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kevin Brennan. Show all posts
Sunday, 10 May 2009
Sunday, 5 October 2008
Cock of the south
Gordon Brown's government reshuffle continues. You didn't expect the PM to take Sunday off, did you?
Welsh angles so far: Wayne David replaces Huw Irranca-Davies at the Wales Office. Huw's reward for his on-message blogging is promotion to DEFRA, where his views on hunting might please the odd farmer.
Wayne is replaced as Welsh Whip by Mark Tami from Alyn and Deeside. His job as unpaid assistant whip goes to Ian Lucas of Wrexham. Both took part in the coup against Tony Blair in September 2006 so will need supreme political skills to play the loyalty card with sceptical backbenchers.
Kevin Brennan is promoted to the Cabinet Office and Chris Bryant gets his first ministerial job as deputy leader of the House of Commons.
The Mail on Sunday has lifted the lid on the names of Cheryl Gillan's Buff Orpington chickens.
"I called the two hens Marilyn Monroe and Diana Dors because of their blonde feathers and the cock is Boris because one of his tail feathers sticks out like Boris Johnson's hair." Well, that's her explanation.
The Mail also suggests Gordon Brown is considering an unlikely comeback for yet another Minister who have previously fallen from grace - David Blunkett. At this rate, it won't be long before Ron Davies is standing by his phone.....*
*Apologies to Peter Black who thought of that joke 24 hours before I blogged it. I really must spend more of my weekends reading Peter's blog.
Welsh angles so far: Wayne David replaces Huw Irranca-Davies at the Wales Office. Huw's reward for his on-message blogging is promotion to DEFRA, where his views on hunting might please the odd farmer.
Wayne is replaced as Welsh Whip by Mark Tami from Alyn and Deeside. His job as unpaid assistant whip goes to Ian Lucas of Wrexham. Both took part in the coup against Tony Blair in September 2006 so will need supreme political skills to play the loyalty card with sceptical backbenchers.
Kevin Brennan is promoted to the Cabinet Office and Chris Bryant gets his first ministerial job as deputy leader of the House of Commons.
The Mail on Sunday has lifted the lid on the names of Cheryl Gillan's Buff Orpington chickens.
"I called the two hens Marilyn Monroe and Diana Dors because of their blonde feathers and the cock is Boris because one of his tail feathers sticks out like Boris Johnson's hair." Well, that's her explanation.
The Mail also suggests Gordon Brown is considering an unlikely comeback for yet another Minister who have previously fallen from grace - David Blunkett. At this rate, it won't be long before Ron Davies is standing by his phone.....*
*Apologies to Peter Black who thought of that joke 24 hours before I blogged it. I really must spend more of my weekends reading Peter's blog.
Tuesday, 15 January 2008
Party pooper?
Peter Hain is "getting on with the jobs". The Welsh and Work and Pensions Secretary turned up for Welsh MPs' New Year party in the Commons last night.
He stayed around an hour but wasn't really in the party mood - not surprising as the electoral commission, frustrated by its limited powers, is considering calling in the police to investigate his failure to declare donations.
"We are where we are," Hain told party guests. "but I'm staying. There is too much to do in Wales and the DWP."
Today's Times reports that a commission source feels Hain has shown contempt for the rules by failing to declare donations on time and by putting the oversight down to the pressures of his Cabinet job.
But the commission, unable to fine individuals itself, may face a choice between issuing a slap on the wrists and calling in the police.
Hain is angry that people might think he intentionally concealed donations. He realises his fate will be decided by two inquiries - one by the commission, the other by the parliamentary commissioner for standards.
Amid the cold sausage rolls, party guests were treated to a musical contribution from the talented guitar-playing Cardiff West MP, Kevin Brennan.
His choice of music was in the best possible taste. One of two Hain supporters were slightly alarmed by some of the earlier muzak - including Yesterday and We Can Work It Out.
Brennan was joined on vocals by Wrexham MP Ian Lucas for his annual rendition of Lola.
If Simon Cowell is reading this, I'm happy to put him in touch.
He stayed around an hour but wasn't really in the party mood - not surprising as the electoral commission, frustrated by its limited powers, is considering calling in the police to investigate his failure to declare donations.
"We are where we are," Hain told party guests. "but I'm staying. There is too much to do in Wales and the DWP."
Today's Times reports that a commission source feels Hain has shown contempt for the rules by failing to declare donations on time and by putting the oversight down to the pressures of his Cabinet job.
But the commission, unable to fine individuals itself, may face a choice between issuing a slap on the wrists and calling in the police.
Hain is angry that people might think he intentionally concealed donations. He realises his fate will be decided by two inquiries - one by the commission, the other by the parliamentary commissioner for standards.
Amid the cold sausage rolls, party guests were treated to a musical contribution from the talented guitar-playing Cardiff West MP, Kevin Brennan.
His choice of music was in the best possible taste. One of two Hain supporters were slightly alarmed by some of the earlier muzak - including Yesterday and We Can Work It Out.
Brennan was joined on vocals by Wrexham MP Ian Lucas for his annual rendition of Lola.
If Simon Cowell is reading this, I'm happy to put him in touch.
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