Stop voting for fucking Tories

[I like neeps]

It's quite funny they're changing the narrative to we're underpaid rather than acknowledging they've created a country in which cost of living is always increasing and childcare costs etc are just unaffordable.

I am open to the idea MPs are underpaid (despite being in the top 10% of salaried earners in the UK). Labours attack line really should be if they can't get by on 80k what does that tell of the mess they've made.

[Paddington Bear]

Yes if a dual income couple where one earns £80k can't afford childcare then maybe use your role as a legislator to address that

[petej]

It's quite funny they're changing the narrative to we're underpaid rather than acknowledging they've created a country in which cost of living is always increasing and childcare costs etc are just unaffordable.

I am open to the idea MPs are underpaid (despite being in the top 10% of salaried earners in the UK). Labours attack line really should be if they can't get by on 80k what does that tell of the mess they've made.

Also how bad are they at managing their own finances* and how detached are they from the reality for most of the population.

* Blobby Johnson is particularly bad in this regard.

[robmatic]

It's quite funny they're changing the narrative to we're underpaid rather than acknowledging they've created a country in which cost of living is always increasing and childcare costs etc are just unaffordable.

I am open to the idea MPs are underpaid (despite being in the top 10% of salaried earners in the UK). Labours attack line really should be if they can't get by on 80k what does that tell of the mess they've made.

Also how bad are they at managing their own finances* and how detached are they from the reality for most of the population.

* Blobby Johnson is particularly bad in this regard.

To be fair to Boris, he is supporting a large number of children and ex-partners.

[petej]

Didn't the Tories put a 2 child benefit cap in? Johnson should haven't had more children than he could afford.

[sockwithaticket]

They earn 2.6 times the national average. I hope the ones who've been piping up recently about how hard it is to get by on an MPs salary drown in their own tears. How the fuck do they think the rest of us manage in the society they've created?

Stuff like this makes me want to break out the guillotines.

[I like neeps]

They earn 2.6 times the national average. I hope the ones who've been piping up recently about how hard it is to get by on an MPs salary drown in their own tears. How the fuck do they think the rest of us manage in the society they've created?

Stuff like this makes me want to break out the guillotines.

Quite and they've been consistently voting for other people not be given pay rises on the justification there just isn't the money. Very convenient there's money available for them.

Meanwhile Keir Starmer continues to be a lemon:

[petej]

They earn 2.6 times the national average. I hope the ones who've been piping up recently about how hard it is to get by on an MPs salary drown in their own tears. How the fuck do they think the rest of us manage in the society they've created?

Stuff like this makes me want to break out the guillotines.

Quite and they've been consistently voting for other people not be given pay rises on the justification there just isn't the money. Very convenient there's money available for them.

Meanwhile Keir Starmer continues to be a lemon:

This does annoy me. Labour might have some skidmarks but the Tories are more like a pair of pants that have been worn by someone with norovirus who has repeatedly failed to make it to the toilet. It leads to the response they are all bad. Even though the degree of shit/badness is different.

[I like neeps]

They earn 2.6 times the national average. I hope the ones who've been piping up recently about how hard it is to get by on an MPs salary drown in their own tears. How the fuck do they think the rest of us manage in the society they've created?

Stuff like this makes me want to break out the guillotines.

Quite and they've been consistently voting for other people not be given pay rises on the justification there just isn't the money. Very convenient there's money available for them.

Meanwhile Keir Starmer continues to be a lemon:

This does annoy me. Labour might have some skidmarks but the Tories are more like a pair of pants that have been worn by someone with norovirus who has repeatedly failed to make it to the toilet. It leads to the response they are all bad. Even though the degree of shit/badness is different.

Labour's last manifesto wanted to ban MPs with second jobs.
It's just unideal when one of the Labour politicians who has them is the leader. Means he can't really go into attack mode.

[petej]

This does annoy me. Labour might have some skidmarks but the Tories are more like a pair of pants that have been worn by someone with norovirus who has repeatedly failed to make it to the toilet. It leads to the response they are all bad. Even though the degree of shit/badness is different.

Labour's last manifesto wanted to ban MPs with second jobs.
It's just unideal when one of the Labour politicians who has them is the leader. Means he can't really go into attack mode.

It is not ideal but Starmer's real problem still remains a lack of charisma. Someone like Blair would have easily redirected that and gone on to attack.

[SaintK]

So the Whips Office gave Cox permission to vote by proxy from the BVI whilst doing work other than that of an MP
And the time difference is at least 4 or 5 hours!!!

[tabascoboy]

Rules are for suckers it seems then

Sir Geoffrey Cox denies breaking rules on Commons office use

Conservative MP Sir Geoffrey Cox has said he did not break parliamentary rules by carrying out paid legal work in his House of Commons office.

The ex-attorney general, who has made almost £900,000 in the last year as a barrister, apparently took part in a virtual meeting there on 14 September.

MPs cannot use public resources, including parliamentary offices, for "personal or financial benefit".

Sir Geoffrey said it was up to voters to decide whether he remains an MP.

Last month, Conservative MP Owen Paterson was found to have broken rules by lobbying the government on behalf of companies who were paying him - and for using his Commons office for business meetings, which is prohibited.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-59233473

[GogLais]

Quite and they've been consistently voting for other people not be given pay rises on the justification there just isn't the money. Very convenient there's money available for them.

Meanwhile Keir Starmer continues to be a lemon:

This does annoy me. Labour might have some skidmarks but the Tories are more like a pair of pants that have been worn by someone with norovirus who has repeatedly failed to make it to the toilet. It leads to the response they are all bad. Even though the degree of shit/badness is different.

Labour's last manifesto wanted to ban MPs with second jobs.
It's just unideal when one of the Labour politicians who has them is the leader. Means he can't really go into attack mode.

I reserve the right to change my mind but my first thought is that I’ve no problem with MPs having a second job with the major proviso that it’s entirely in the open. I think that as long as they’re in the possession of the facts the public should be free to decide who represents them. Lobbying is another thing though that needs a very sharp dose of looking at.

[I like neeps]

This does annoy me. Labour might have some skidmarks but the Tories are more like a pair of pants that have been worn by someone with norovirus who has repeatedly failed to make it to the toilet. It leads to the response they are all bad. Even though the degree of shit/badness is different.

Labour's last manifesto wanted to ban MPs with second jobs.
It's just unideal when one of the Labour politicians who has them is the leader. Means he can't really go into attack mode.

I reserve the right to change my mind but my first thought is that I’ve no problem with MPs having a second job with the major proviso that it’s entirely in the open. I think that as long as they’re in the possession of the facts the public should be free to decide who represents them. Lobbying is another thing though that needs a very sharp dose of looking at.

These guys jobs were in the open, or as close as to in the open they could be in our very opaque system.

When a company hires an MP they are buying influence. Do you really think Sajid Javid for example getting 150k per year from JP Morgan would start acting against their interests? If an MP wants a second job as a football referee or HGV driver or something totally outwith politics then fine. But these guys aren't being paid for their job, they're paid for the insider knowledge and buying influence.

[salanya]

I don't disagree with MPs having second jobs on principle, but in practice it's not really workable.

Too many grey areas or hiding places for dodgy deals, influencing, lobbying etc. And how is the time measured against their MP commitments - who and how will it be ensured that the MP role and commitments will always be the priority?

I'd also say that being an MP should be a fulltime job: they should be fully informed with all the national stuff, as well as supporting local communities.

Again, in principle I don't mind them getting a pay rise to do this. However, I get quite irate when you get these entitled arseholes saying that an £80k+ annual salary isn't enough to live on (especially when their partner also has an income, so the household income will be well over £100k, more than double what most households have to live on).
If £100k+ isn't enough then maybe, just like the rest of us, you'll need to accept that you can't put all your kids in Eton, or can't have a 6-bed house in Chelsea.
Live within your means, that's what all the nurses need to do when their pay rise hardly meets inflation.

But Boris has said that the UK is not a corrupt country. So that solves that issue, what are we all worrying about?!

[GogLais]

Labour's last manifesto wanted to ban MPs with second jobs.
It's just unideal when one of the Labour politicians who has them is the leader. Means he can't really go into attack mode.

I reserve the right to change my mind but my first thought is that I’ve no problem with MPs having a second job with the major proviso that it’s entirely in the open. I think that as long as they’re in the possession of the facts the public should be free to decide who represents them. Lobbying is another thing though that needs a very sharp dose of looking at.

These guys jobs were in the open, or as close as to in the open they could be in our very opaque system.

When a company hires an MP they are buying influence. Do you really think Sajid Javid for example getting 150k per year from JP Morgan would start acting against their interests? If an MP wants a second job as a football referee or HGV driver or something totally outwith politics then fine. But these guys aren't being paid for their job, they're paid for the insider knowledge and buying influence.

I agree there’s a whole issue re lobbying/influence. I just think as long as it’s all in the open - and that’s a very big as long as - having another job shouldn’t disqualify someone from standing as an MP. As far as possible I think the electorate’s should be unimpeded.

[dpedin]

I reserve the right to change my mind but my first thought is that I’ve no problem with MPs having a second job with the major proviso that it’s entirely in the open. I think that as long as they’re in the possession of the facts the public should be free to decide who represents them. Lobbying is another thing though that needs a very sharp dose of looking at.

These guys jobs were in the open, or as close as to in the open they could be in our very opaque system.

When a company hires an MP they are buying influence. Do you really think Sajid Javid for example getting 150k per year from JP Morgan would start acting against their interests? If an MP wants a second job as a football referee or HGV driver or something totally outwith politics then fine. But these guys aren't being paid for their job, they're paid for the insider knowledge and buying influence.

I agree there’s a whole issue re lobbying/influence. I just think as long as it’s all in the open - and that’s a very big as long as - having another job shouldn’t disqualify someone from standing as an MP. As far as possible I think the electorate’s should be unimpeded.

Lets call it what it is ... corruption! It's not a second job in any way shape of form so lets not confuse the issue. These guys are not doing shifts as a doctor or a nurse to keep their prof registration or doing a job that adds value to a local community or society. They are being paid to corrupt the decision making in this country, it's criminal!

[fishfoodie]

These guys jobs were in the open, or as close as to in the open they could be in our very opaque system.

When a company hires an MP they are buying influence. Do you really think Sajid Javid for example getting 150k per year from JP Morgan would start acting against their interests? If an MP wants a second job as a football referee or HGV driver or something totally outwith politics then fine. But these guys aren't being paid for their job, they're paid for the insider knowledge and buying influence.

I agree there’s a whole issue re lobbying/influence. I just think as long as it’s all in the open - and that’s a very big as long as - having another job shouldn’t disqualify someone from standing as an MP. As far as possible I think the electorate’s should be unimpeded.

Lets call it what it is ... corruption! It's not a second job in any way shape of form so lets not confuse the issue. These guys are not doing shifts as a doctor or a nurse to keep their prof registration or doing a job that adds value to a local community or society. They are being paid to corrupt the decision making in this country, it's criminal!

Exactly !

and lets not forget that while they might bitch about their basic salary; they all enjoy expenses far in excess of those any normal punter enjoys; & only the most recent MPs; haven't had the opportunity to milk the system.

This is the familiar scene of the corrupt; shielding themselves behind the relatively innocent.

[Biffer]

So the Whips Office gave Cox permission to vote by proxy from the BVI whilst doing work other than that of an MP
And the time difference is at least 4 or 5 hours!!!

Worth highlighting that the SNP MP who suffered a brain haemorrhage wasn't allowed to vote remotely or by proxy during her recovery.

[Slick]

These guys jobs were in the open, or as close as to in the open they could be in our very opaque system.

When a company hires an MP they are buying influence. Do you really think Sajid Javid for example getting 150k per year from JP Morgan would start acting against their interests? If an MP wants a second job as a football referee or HGV driver or something totally outwith politics then fine. But these guys aren't being paid for their job, they're paid for the insider knowledge and buying influence.

I agree there’s a whole issue re lobbying/influence. I just think as long as it’s all in the open - and that’s a very big as long as - having another job shouldn’t disqualify someone from standing as an MP. As far as possible I think the electorate’s should be unimpeded.

Lets call it what it is ... corruption! It's not a second job in any way shape of form so lets not confuse the issue. These guys are not doing shifts as a doctor or a nurse to keep their prof registration or doing a job that adds value to a local community or society. They are being paid to corrupt the decision making in this country, it's criminal!

That’s a good post that gets to the heart of it.

I think it should be acknowledged though that most MP’s work very long hours, are delighted with their pay and benefits and are in it for the right reasons. It’s the power that comes with rising through the ranks that corrupts.

[Insane_Homer]

So the Whips Office gave Cox permission to vote by proxy from the BVI whilst doing work other than that of an MP
And the time difference is at least 4 or 5 hours!!!

Worth highlighting that the SNP MP who suffered a brain haemorrhage wasn't allowed to vote remotely or by proxy during her recovery.

Also worth noting that last year, Rees-Bogg (leader of the house) was vehemently apposed to proxy voting during the middle of the pandemic ~ June 2020

...All the while Mark Francois was allowed to make repeated use of proxy voting, while not in attendance for some unknown reason, towards the end of last year too ~ Oct 2020.

[Paddington Bear]

MPs are the latest in long lines of public sector 'high flyers' who are resentful their peers earn more than them. The comparison to an average wage is fair but it misses the point of who these guys hang out with, which let's face it is how we compare our standard of living.
Of course the fact that an £80k base salary doesn't seem to provide them with the lifestyle they probably expected (private schools etc) is another issue. World's tiniest violins etc but the example of the Major General who got prison time for defrauding the taxpayer for school fees was indicative - Major Generals shouldn't have issues affording this stuff!

[Insane_Homer]

Proper thread.

TLDR version: Ayanda £252m for facemarks, flagged by Civil service, DoH denied conflict of interest, Tim Horlick claims 'Chinese Lady' brokered deal, but Andrew Mills MP, advisor to Ayanda board, was paid £32.4 million via dodgy tax haven registered companies.

[sockwithaticket]

I agree there’s a whole issue re lobbying/influence. I just think as long as it’s all in the open - and that’s a very big as long as - having another job shouldn’t disqualify someone from standing as an MP. As far as possible I think the electorate’s should be unimpeded.

Lets call it what it is ... corruption! It's not a second job in any way shape of form so lets not confuse the issue. These guys are not doing shifts as a doctor or a nurse to keep their prof registration or doing a job that adds value to a local community or society. They are being paid to corrupt the decision making in this country, it's criminal!

That’s a good post that gets to the heart of it.

I think it should be acknowledged though that most MP’s work very long hours, are delighted with their pay and benefits and are in it for the right reasons. It’s the power that comes with rising through the ranks that corrupts.

That's fair, there are 650 MPs and we only hear from or about a fairly small number of them.

[sockwithaticket]

MPs are the latest in long lines of public sector 'high flyers' who are resentful their peers earn more than them. The comparison to an average wage is fair but it misses the point of who these guys hang out with, which let's face it is how we compare our standard of living.
Of course the fact that an £80k base salary doesn't seem to provide them with the lifestyle they probably expected (private schools etc) is another issue. World's tiniest violins etc but the example of the Major General who got prison time for defrauding the taxpayer for school fees was indicative - Major Generals shouldn't have issues affording this stuff!

Then go do something else. The pay and conditions aren't hidden, if they want something that will be more in keeping with the lifestyle of their peers then take the kind of jobs they do. Leave the public sector roles for those who will appreciate them and won't utilise them as an opportunity to leverage wealth out of companies looking to circumvent our democracy or regulatory bodies.

[I like neeps]

MPs are the latest in long lines of public sector 'high flyers' who are resentful their peers earn more than them. The comparison to an average wage is fair but it misses the point of who these guys hang out with, which let's face it is how we compare our standard of living.
Of course the fact that an £80k base salary doesn't seem to provide them with the lifestyle they probably expected (private schools etc) is another issue. World's tiniest violins etc but the example of the Major General who got prison time for defrauding the taxpayer for school fees was indicative - Major Generals shouldn't have issues affording this stuff!

If you don't like the pay then don't be an MP? I agree these guys rub shoulders with really rich people and that irks them. As said I there could be an argument to pay them more - they do very demanding jobs.

The Major General is on around what 150k? I agree he shouldn't have issues affording this stuff. So if he can't afford like the rest of us maybe go for a cheaper public school?

Maybe if MPs/their mates in the civil service experience things becoming a lot more expensive than they used to be they'd actually come up with ways to support society through creating policies which is their job. Instead they get paid top 10% salaries, a fair few come from wealth and feather their nests with consulting gigs paying them for influence.

[I like neeps]

[GogLais]

These guys jobs were in the open, or as close as to in the open they could be in our very opaque system.

When a company hires an MP they are buying influence. Do you really think Sajid Javid for example getting 150k per year from JP Morgan would start acting against their interests? If an MP wants a second job as a football referee or HGV driver or something totally outwith politics then fine. But these guys aren't being paid for their job, they're paid for the insider knowledge and buying influence.

I agree there’s a whole issue re lobbying/influence. I just think as long as it’s all in the open - and that’s a very big as long as - having another job shouldn’t disqualify someone from standing as an MP. As far as possible I think the electorate’s should be unimpeded.

Lets call it what it is ... corruption! It's not a second job in any way shape of form so lets not confuse the issue. These guys are not doing shifts as a doctor or a nurse to keep their prof registration or doing a job that adds value to a local community or society. They are being paid to corrupt the decision making in this country, it's criminal!

I hope I’m not confusing the issue. The only point I’m trying to make is that a blanket ban on second jobs goes too far for me. I don’t like idea of having controls on who can and can’t represent us in Parliament.

[Insane_Homer]

[JM2K6]

MPs are the latest in long lines of public sector 'high flyers' who are resentful their peers earn more than them. The comparison to an average wage is fair but it misses the point of who these guys hang out with, which let's face it is how we compare our standard of living.
Of course the fact that an £80k base salary doesn't seem to provide them with the lifestyle they probably expected (private schools etc) is another issue. World's tiniest violins etc but the example of the Major General who got prison time for defrauding the taxpayer for school fees was indicative - Major Generals shouldn't have issues affording this stuff!

Oh Jesus. But yeah, maybe if the toff MPs aren't getting the same money as their "peers", then maybe the toff MPs should fuck off and improve our politics immeasurably by doing so.

[fishfoodie]

I agree there’s a whole issue re lobbying/influence. I just think as long as it’s all in the open - and that’s a very big as long as - having another job shouldn’t disqualify someone from standing as an MP. As far as possible I think the electorate’s should be unimpeded.

Lets call it what it is ... corruption! It's not a second job in any way shape of form so lets not confuse the issue. These guys are not doing shifts as a doctor or a nurse to keep their prof registration or doing a job that adds value to a local community or society. They are being paid to corrupt the decision making in this country, it's criminal!

I hope I’m not confusing the issue. The only point I’m trying to make is that a blanket ban on second jobs goes too far for me. I don’t like idea of having controls on who can and can’t represent us in Parliament.

The problem is, that; if you allow all 2nd jobs; you work from the presumption that they will act honorably, & not corruptly; & that their 2nd job won't interfere with what should be their primary job; that of a public representative !

I would suggest that, while this approach appeared to work in the past; it doesn't work now.

I think the solution is to impose a default blanket ban, & then allow for 2nd gigs, only if these are approved by an independent body; & that the remuneration, & hours committed be tracked, & published monthly; so that the constituents can indeed decide if their MP is spending too much time on other things.

[fishfoodie]

MPs are the latest in long lines of public sector 'high flyers' who are resentful their peers earn more than them. The comparison to an average wage is fair but it misses the point of who these guys hang out with, which let's face it is how we compare our standard of living.
Of course the fact that an £80k base salary doesn't seem to provide them with the lifestyle they probably expected (private schools etc) is another issue. World's tiniest violins etc but the example of the Major General who got prison time for defrauding the taxpayer for school fees was indicative - Major Generals shouldn't have issues affording this stuff!

Oh Jesus. But yeah, maybe if the toff MPs aren't getting the same money as their "peers", then maybe the toff MPs should fuck off and improve our politics immeasurably by doing so.

The assumption that they hang around with, 'high flyers', & thus are worth it themselves; doesn't exactly stand up to much scrutiny.

If you operated Ports; would you value Chris Grayling, as a "Strategic Adviser"; to the tune of 100k pa ?

He & IDS have fucked up, & made measurably worse; every job they have done in Government; & yet still are on the gravy train.

[petej]

It is good that this appears to be such a rich vein and most the media are actually going for it. When is the pandemic inquiry due to start?

[fishfoodie]

It is good that this appears to be such a rich vein and most the media are actually going for it. When is the pandemic inquiry due to start?

Don't you mean; "When are the legal actions to obstruct & neuter the inquiry due to start?"

[petej]

Plastics could get interesting. Go have a look for PFA's or plasticisers (phthalates) level measurements of our drinking water.

I've contacted water company as couldn't find any and noted EU reach is adding more phthalates than we are. I don't think this is intentional just that the HSE doesn't have the staff and sqep to do this job yet.

[GogLais]

Lets call it what it is ... corruption! It's not a second job in any way shape of form so lets not confuse the issue. These guys are not doing shifts as a doctor or a nurse to keep their prof registration or doing a job that adds value to a local community or society. They are being paid to corrupt the decision making in this country, it's criminal!

I hope I’m not confusing the issue. The only point I’m trying to make is that a blanket ban on second jobs goes too far for me. I don’t like idea of having controls on who can and can’t represent us in Parliament.

The problem is, that; if you allow all 2nd jobs; you work from the presumption that they will act honorably, & not corruptly; & that their 2nd job won't interfere with what should be their primary job; that of a public representative !

I would suggest that, while this approach appeared to work in the past; it doesn't work now.

I think the solution is to impose a default blanket ban, & then allow for 2nd gigs, only if these are approved by an independent body; & that the remuneration, & hours committed be tracked, & published monthly; so that the constituents can indeed decide if their MP is spending too much time on other things.

Not sure I’d go as far as prior approval but total openness absolutely. As regards spending too much time on other things, who’s the judge of how many hours a week it takes to be an MP? And if it isn’t already, being paid to help someone make money or gain influence should be a criminal offence. Probably needs a bit of legal finessing that.

[fishfoodie]

I hope I’m not confusing the issue. The only point I’m trying to make is that a blanket ban on second jobs goes too far for me. I don’t like idea of having controls on who can and can’t represent us in Parliament.

The problem is, that; if you allow all 2nd jobs; you work from the presumption that they will act honorably, & not corruptly; & that their 2nd job won't interfere with what should be their primary job; that of a public representative !

I would suggest that, while this approach appeared to work in the past; it doesn't work now.

I think the solution is to impose a default blanket ban, & then allow for 2nd gigs, only if these are approved by an independent body; & that the remuneration, & hours committed be tracked, & published monthly; so that the constituents can indeed decide if their MP is spending too much time on other things.

Not sure I’d go as far as prior approval but total openness absolutely. As regards spending too much time on other things, who’s the judge of how many hours a week it takes to be an MP? And if it isn’t already, being paid to help someone make money or gain influence should be a criminal offence. Probably needs a bit of legal finessing that.

If it doesn't take a normal, full working week; then +80k is far too much of a wage; not far too little !

They can't have it both ways.

[GogLais]

The problem is, that; if you allow all 2nd jobs; you work from the presumption that they will act honorably, & not corruptly; & that their 2nd job won't interfere with what should be their primary job; that of a public representative !

I would suggest that, while this approach appeared to work in the past; it doesn't work now.

I think the solution is to impose a default blanket ban, & then allow for 2nd gigs, only if these are approved by an independent body; & that the remuneration, & hours committed be tracked, & published monthly; so that the constituents can indeed decide if their MP is spending too much time on other things.

Not sure I’d go as far as prior approval but total openness absolutely. As regards spending too much time on other things, who’s the judge of how many hours a week it takes to be an MP? And if it isn’t already, being paid to help someone make money or gain influence should be a criminal offence. Probably needs a bit of legal finessing that.

If it doesn't take a normal, full working week; then +80k is far too much of a wage; not far too little !

They can't have it both ways.

Some people have the ability to work a normal full week and do something else in their own time. As far as I’m concerned if MPs do their job properly and can fit in something else legitimate in their spare time then I have no problem with it.

[fishfoodie]

Not sure I’d go as far as prior approval but total openness absolutely. As regards spending too much time on other things, who’s the judge of how many hours a week it takes to be an MP? And if it isn’t already, being paid to help someone make money or gain influence should be a criminal offence. Probably needs a bit of legal finessing that.

If it doesn't take a normal, full working week; then +80k is far too much of a wage; not far too little !

They can't have it both ways.

Some people have the ability to work a normal full week and do something else in their own time. As far as I’m concerned if MPs do their job properly and can fit in something else legitimate in their spare time then I have no problem with it.

That's very true; & I suspect that the MPs that don't have to worry about scrutiny of their extra-curricular gigs; will fit in this category; but it doesn't help with the ones who are working the system.

The only way to curb the abuse; is to make them ask for permission; & describe the work; instead of just relying on someone to check the Members interests every month.

If you're a Farmer, or a Solicitor, of a Doctor, who wants to keep your hand in on the weekends; then there won't be a problem. It's the "Consultancy", that stinks; or when, like Cox they just said, "fuck the constituency", for a few months.

[Line6 HXFX]

So if I worked on the side whilst claiming unemployment benefits for a year or two, wonder what lovely fate would await me.

5 years in clink?

If I created and supported database systems on the side, whilst working for the local authority, wonder what fate would await me?

Instant dismissal?