The Zero Tolerance rhetoric is bandied about quite regularly in relation to policing. I also believe in Zero Tolerance for MPs. They are the only body who set their own wages and allowances, they are exempt from libel laws, they set-up committees iof MPs to investigate themselves (the latest being 3 MPs chosen to investigate the implications of the Conway affair).
There should be Zero Tolerance of MPs' financial affairs. An external body should set the rules for MPs, it should monitor that the rules are upheld and also have the power to fire an MP, triggering a by-election. The MP could stand again and face the public. There should only be one register of member's interest to clarify the current rules.
While I'm at it, how about one secretary on a full-time wage hired by the Commons and also one researcher part-time? They would be in the employ of Parliament. Family members can apply but would be scrutinised by the House authorities. Also, why not scrap allowances. Give a bigger salary, with a weighting for distance from London, so that MPs get more money for living away and having to travel.
Squiffy.
Tuesday 5 February 2008
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