Ed Goncalves unveils plan to ban MPs from ‘moonlighting’ and hiring their relatives
Rugby's Lib Dem election candidate says he plans to introduce a Private Members' Bill to abolish the current MPs' expenses system if he is elected on May 7.
Ed Goncalves today set out his proposals for a Parliamentary Representation Bill which would ban MPs from running a business or doing a second job. He said that the changes introduced after the expenses scandal did not go far enough, and that a fundamental overhaul was now needed.
"One quarter of MPs in the last Parliament hired partners and relatives at taxpayers' expense. In any other place this would be considered completely unacceptable. MPs who are thrown out by the electorate get a huge pay-off. In what other line of work does getting fired get you a tax-free bonus?
"It's not just that there are MPs who are abusing the system - it's the system which is fundamentally wrong. A number of MPs who bought 2nd homes under the old system are now renting 3rd homes at taxpayers' expense. Thousands of pounds have been spent on official portraits of MPs.
"Local taxpayers employ and pay for their MPs. We have a right to expect that they work full-time for us. Many MPs complain about the long hours, but are then busy moonlighting. MPs should be fighting for our interests, not spending their time pursuing theirs."
Under Ed Goncalves' proposals, the parliamentary standards authority - which oversees MPs pay, expenses and allowances - would be abolished and replaced by a central procurement department which would arrange MPs' accommodation and pay staff directly.
"It shouldn't be up to MPs or a Parliamentary body to set their wages," Ed Goncalves added. "Any pay rises should be pegged to the average for other workers so that it
becomes performance-related pay. If the economy grows and average wages go up, MPs are rewarded. If economic growth slows, or austerity is needed, they have to tighten their belts like the rest of us. This way we really ARE all in it together."
Ed Goncalves, who helps run 2 charities and has also been an investigative journalist, is urging all the other Rugby candidates at this election to support his campaign.
"This isn't about party politics; it's about what is right. People haven't just lost faith in the politicians; they don't trust the system anymore. Under the current rules, it is considered perfectly legal to hire your girlfriend or nephew at the taxpayers' expense. It is also considered perfectly legal for the local MP to earn a 2nd income from a commercial letting business. I think most ordinary people would consider this completely unacceptable.
"We need a new breed of elected representative, who understand that they are first and foremost a public servant hired and paid for by local taxpayers. Many MPs give the impression they are entitled to their position and to exploit the system for their own ends. This is why voter dissatisfaction is growing, which is dangerous for democracy. When the system lets people down and they become disillusioned with it, extremist parties fill the void."
Ed Goncalves is taking to the streets to urge Rugby residents to sign a petition in support of his bill. The petition is also available online at www.ed4rugby.com.
"I'm sure many MPs would be initially opposed to this. However I think it is make or break time for our Parliamentary system. This bill is an opportunity for elected representatives to show they are in touch with the electorate, and help restore faith in British democracy."
SIGN THE PETITION ONLINE AT: www.tinyurl.com/abolishexpenses