News from the New Party

New Party sympathises with expenses backlash MPs

The 80 MPs fighting back against heavy handed tactics by major party leaders forcing them to repay expenses deserve the support of the nation for not allowing mob-rule to overcome reason, New Party leader Richard Vass today.

Former civil servant Sir Thomas Legg has been drafted in to put an end to the expenses scandal by deciding which MPs should pay back what. But 80 MPs, including Labour's Frank Cook and the Tory's Bernard Jenkin, have lodged appeals on second homes claims stretching back to 2004.

The appeals are a protest against the imposing of retrospective rules based on Sir Thomas' belief of what constituted reasonable spending. Richard Vass today urged others to follow their lead to help highlight the mess the Government has made of the situation.

Richard Vass says: "We sympathise with these MPs for standing up for what is right and not bowing to mob-rule as their leaders have done. Our so-called leaders have essentially made criminals out of honest MPs, further dragging the name of politics down.

"In some of the cases the recommendations suggested by Sir Thomas Legg will cost the taxpayer more. Major party leaders are so keen to shut the door on the expenses scandal they have wasted a golden opportunity to rectify a broken system."

The appeal cases will be ruled on in early January by Sir Paul Kennedy. His conclusions will be published along with Sir Thomas Legg's report in late January.