An MP’s lot…
At the weekend in my constituency, a number of people came up to me to congratulate me on my frugality and my personal value for money. Initially this puzzled me until discovering that my spending on Parliamentary allowances was less than other MPs in East Anglia.
Whilst working in the financial services industry before entering Parliament, there were times when I was in the office by 7.15am, and sometimes working until 10pm. When politicians used to tell me they worked very hard, my reaction was “oh yes?” Actually, it really is true. There might be a notion that during the summer Parliamentary recess, MPs are reclining on some sun drenched chaise longue or sipping rum punches. That is not true either. In this context, I was amused to read that a distinguished journalist friend, who really is at the top of his profession and deserves to be rewarded as such, described our housing allowance as a “racket”. We get around £3,000 each month after tax and various deductions, and without some help to run a second residence either in London or in one’s constituency, it would be, er, something of a challenge.
I make absolutely no complaint whatsoever. We really are the servants of the people and should never forget it. Also, I freely admit that Gordon Brown’s assault on people’s pensions have shone a fresh light on our own arrangements.
Throughout the ages politicians collectively have been held in low regard. That will never change. Nevertheless perhaps we can draw a bit of comfort from the fact that we are routinely bracketed, in the public’s generalised lack of affection, with estate agents and journalists.
Mercifully there is still a respectable margin between said MPs, estate agents and journalists, and those who are detained at Her Majesty’s pleasure!