RESPONSE TO TELEGRAPH ARTICLE (Julia Goldsworthy)

Julia Goldsworthy <info@juliagoldsworthy.org>

RESPONSE TO TELEGRAPH ARTICLE

May 13, 2009 12:00 PM

I am sure that you will be aware of allegations made about me and other colleagues in the Daily Telegraph today. While the paper focused on some of the claims I made to cover my costs when I need to be in Westminster, it did not report that:

1. I opposed attempts by Conservative and Labour MPs to exempt themselves from the Freedom of Information Act , and I have consistently called for reform of the allowances system.

2. I have voluntarily been publishing my quarterly expenses on my website since April 2008. I informed my constituents of this fact by writing to them about it in a leaflet, which my local party sent out to every constituent.

3. I have never sought to use the expenses system to make financial gain for myself or anybody else.

4. I moved flats because my existing property was shared with my sister who was getting married. The costs for which I sought reimbursement for were explicitly related to my move to a one bedroom flat . The property was unfurnished and so I purchased furnishings that could be delivered on the date I moved in.

5. I did not claim the full cost of some items, including the chair, and purchased other items that I did not claim for at all. I can see that people will feel the purchase of the chair goes beyond a basic furniture requirement, so I have taken the decision to ensure the proportion I claimed is paid back.

6. My food claims were based on calculating the number of days that I spend away from home either in Parliament or travelling.

I still believe there is a need for total transparency in MPs expenses - which is why I am more than happy to answer any questions. The system needs to change fundamentally - not just by requiring MPs to enclose receipts for all expenditure, but by ensuring that MPs can no long play the property market to make capital gains. This means ending the payment of mortgage interest and ensuring that capital gains made at taxpayer expense are returned to the taxpayer. These are the proposals that Nick Clegg has put forward, which I support. Only then can people begin to have confidence in the system.