Originally Posted by Gayle (Post 713210)

Thing is that they weren't fiddling the system, the system was flawed in the first place to allow them to do this 'within the rules'.

Rules are made for worst case scenarios - for example, I don't think anyone would argue that MPs who live a long way from London have to have two places of residence. In effect, these long distance MPs have two very different and distinct jobs - they have to look after their individual constituents and they have to be available in Parliament to vote and debate on issues - I suppose they all have this but for long distance MPs there could be 100s of miles in between the two jobs. What is wrong, is when every MP (well not every MP) decides to claim the 'worst case scenario'.

I think the rot set in when MPs were allowed to be selected as MP for a region without living there - if they do that then they clearly aren't interested in that region they're interested in being an MP. Fortunately, Greg is a local lad, lived locally and wanted to represent the people closest to him. There are less and less like him these days.

Originally Posted by jaysay (Post 713300)

The last MP DID actually live in Hyndburn:rolleyes:

Originally Posted by Gayle (Post 713359)

As does Greg. And as far as I know Ken was a hard working MP for his town. Like Greg, he was a local lad who wanted to represent his friends, neighbours, colleagues and the people of the town he came from. I'm not having a go at Greg or Ken on this so I'm not sure what your point is.

I'm having a go at MPs like Kitty Ussher from Burnley who was selected for Burnley without having ever lived in the town. She then rented a house up here for the campaign and then bought a house after being elected. She's a career MP and in my mind, that's not the right reason for being a candidate for a town - I think MPs should be local people for the local town.

I'm sure there are exceptions - Hazel Blears is obviously one of them. Even though she represents her own area of Salford.

I'm also sure there are other exceptions of people who have never visited a town before being elected who are doing a great job for that area now. You mention Arthur Davidson but lets face it, that was over 20 years ago - not exactly a current example!

Originally Posted by Uncle Mick (Post 713358)

It was nice to see Hazel Blears in the paper showing the £13332 cheque she is sending to the Inland Revenue, however as she incorrectly completed her tax return with a material omission, I`m sure HM Revenue and Customs may want to look into the issue of interest due ( £13332 x 3.25%) and penalties (between 20-70% of tax avoided) and ask her to divvy up a little further!

Originally Posted by andrewb (Post 713376)

I'm not sure he does live in Hyndburn does he? I always thought it was Blackburn. Very close anyway, I'm just being pedantic. :)

Originally Posted by Mancie (Post 713578)

the "spin machine" is pretty active ... the oil rags on here trying to detract the disgust felt into a local issue..when the real story is that the Lords and Ladies of the Tory party sit back in comfort with the knowledge that the public will have to pay for thier upkeep!... it disgusts me that working class people lick the boots of thier Tory Masters...you are scum!

Originally Posted by Wynonie Harris (Post 713594)

So, how exactly do you claim £16,000 for a mortgage you've paid off "by mistake"?

Time to call the rozzers in!

Originally Posted by andrewb (Post 713666)

He should be deselected!

Originally Posted by jaysay (Post 713416)

Just like I was Andrew, he does live in Blackburn :D

Originally Posted by Gayle (Post 713670)

You are all being pedantic. He was brought up in Hyndburn - Great Harwood.