Mark Jewell pledges transparency on expenses

11.30.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 8th Oct 2009

Mark Jewell pledges not to rip tax payers off.

Mark Jewell has pledged to be completely transparent about his expenses if elected to represent the people of Preston.

This follows Councillor Mark Jewell being totally open and honest with his expenses as a Councillor on both Preston City Council and Lancashire County Council. (See Mark's Councillor expenses link below)

Mark said, "Politicians at all levels of government must be totally open with the money they receive from the public purse paid for by taxpayers. Many local residents have said how angry they are about politicians on the take."

"If elected, I pledge to publish my expenses that I claim on my website each month. My first home will be my house in Preston where I live with my family. My second home will be in London as somewhere to stay during the week whilst on parliamentary business."

"I will not claim to furnish my accommodation in London and I will return all future gains made from the sale of a second home back to the public purse. No 'switching' homes for tax benefits or buying beds, at the public expense, no matter how bad my back gets! Unlike your current MP. I will not be blacking anything out from my claim forms other than my bank details. I will not be claiming for food."

Mark added, "I agree with Nick Clegg that the MP's expenses scandal is a symptom of our failed politics. People must be able to trust their elected representatives. The Liberal Democrats are committed to implementing and observing the recommendations of Sir Christopher Kelly's independent inquiry."

Related Link:

MyCouncillor Allowances and Expenses.