It sounded like it today after Patrick McLoughlin found himself in an awkward position.Last week David Cameron tasked the West Derbyshire MP to chair the Tory’s review committee – which will judge whether any Conservative MPs have put in excessive expenses.
But after details of McLoughlin’s allowances emerged in The Daily Telegraph yesterday he’ll now have his own claims reviewed by that very committee.
His allowances were by no means the worst, but he did receive thousands of pounds for maintenance and repair on his Derbyshire home over four years.
Defending himself today he told Lobbydog: “You need to find a balance with these things – I didn’t claim for gardening, I see that some people claimed for that, but I didn’t.”
It could of course be a swipe at fellow Derbyshire MP Margaret Beckett who famously tried to claim for plant pots and a pergola.
But far more profligate was pint-sized shadow leader of the house Alan Duncan – who “volunteered” to pay back some £5,000 in gardening costs last week.The Chief Whip will be hoping Duncan doesn't add him to his hit list.
They have something in common of course - fossil fuels. Duncan is an oil man and McLoghlin a former coal miner. Note that neither of those are the future.
ReplyDeleteWhat's that man doing with his hands?
ReplyDeleteDuncan will be gone sooner than Blears or other Labour fiddlers.
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ReplyDeleteThe report by the Tory Chief Whip on a shadow cabinet member has sparked interest and scrutiny, revealing the dynamics and tensions within British politics. The report highlights the competitive nature of political discourse, even behind closed doors. It serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and transparency in political communications, prompting further analysis of the motives and implications behind such remarks. The report offers insights into the strategies and tactics employed by political actors, highlighting the ongoing rivalry between opposing parties in the UK and the role of party discipline and messaging in shaping public perception. The report invites readers to consider the broader implications for party unity and effectiveness in holding the government accountable. Overall, the report contributes to a deeper understanding of the dynamics shaping British politics and the challenges facing political leaders on both sides of the aisle.