MPs should be subject to the same rules as the rest says Sue Doughty

5.39.26pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 3rd Apr 2008

The system of MPs allowances needs clear guidelines and proper auditing

Commenting on recent controversy about MP's expenses, Sue Doughty, who is fighting the Guildford constituency at the next election and is a former MP said; "I don't believe the public need to see every penny that is spent, but what they must have is the certainty that MPs are subject to the same rules on expenses as everyone else. This means clear limits on what can be spent, knowing that receipts must be produced and that the accounts at Westminster will be audited in the same way that any other business is audited."

"Until the public have this confidence MPs cannot command the respect of the public who are paying their salaries" she added. "Most people who enter public life are doing it for the best of reasons, but we do need a system which, as in business, enables mistakes or abuses to be quickly rooted out. The whole system is just another example of how out-dated Westminster can be. The system behind Members' allowances needs to be re-thought and modernised, bringing into the 21st Century.

MPs are allowed to claim the interest on property in London but Sue feels that this system must come to an end. "It used to be the case that many MPs regarded this as a pension fund but now with less certainty over property values and the strengthening of the Parliamentary Pension arrangements there is an overwhelming case for Parliament to own some basic accommodation which can be used by MPs staying in Westminster during the week."

Sue is also concerned about staff employment practices at Westminster. As a former manager she is well aware of the need to employ good staff for research and to assist with constituency casework. She says, "It can be tempting to give a family member a job, but I believe that jobs can and should be advertised to ensure that the best person is taken on. I've known some great partnerships where the MP is supported by their husband or wife, and the constituents have benefited, but in some cases it is quite clear that family members are getting an easy option. Any staff contracts given to family members should not only be registered, but also subject to regular audit. This should apply not only to permanent positions but to temporary jobs, especially when a partner or child is employed to 'undertake research' or when they appear to have another job at the same time."