MP payback 'A clear statement'
I AM concerned that our MP, Jonathan Djanogly, appears to be defending his excessive expense claims by hiding behind his assertion that the parliamentary system of expense claims is flawed. I m amazed that he doesn t seem to acknowledge that he still had
I AM concerned that our MP, Jonathan Djanogly, appears to be defending his excessive expense claims by hiding behind his assertion that the parliamentary system of expense claims is flawed. I'm amazed that he doesn't seem to acknowledge that he still had the choice not to participate in this flawed system.
It surely therefore begs the questions of why did he not therefore alert anyone to this flaw instead of continuing to abuse the system, and why did some other fellow members not make any claims? Because they showed a far better degree of judgement, common sense and integrity?
Why does he think it matters that the claim for his gates was for maintenance and not installation, as inaccurately reported. It's the principle of the claim that is surely still wrong.
In addition, just because he says that he "stuck to his gardening claim meticulously" doesn't mask the fact that the fees office has been proved to be totally incompetent and he should have shown better judgement.
The fact that he has paid money back may not be an admission that it was falsely claimed, but the very fact that he has makes a clear statement to me.
I'm very pleased to see that he sees the need for a total overhaul of this flawed system. I personally believe that any process that allows for expense claims (against tax) will always lead to immoral and unethical practice and a costly administration to look after it. Surely a higher, more appropriate fixed salary with no extras would overhaul the process in one sweep.
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Rightly or wrongly, I also can't help feeling angry that we taxpayers have helped fund the lifestyle of an elected public servant who is independently very wealthy and who, as the son of the founder of Coates Viyella, is part of the �300million estimated family fortune. This isn't the politics of envy, just indignation against greed and a lack of integrity and judgement.
If he doesn't resign, I think the electorate will decide for him.
JOHN POWELL
High Street
Hemingford Grey
Editor's note: Mr Djanogly himself made exactly the same proposal for reforming the system in The Hunts Post on May 27.
