For whom the cash register tolls
There is something rather comical about the Peter Jones list published at the end of last week. It is somewhat bizarre to have such a list but not to tell anybody in case they make a claim. I, for one, never knew such a list existed and have never made a claim on any of the items mentioned. I suspect I am not alone.
In my constituency I went into a number of shops and it was the source of much amused comment. One shop owner, who was expecting me, simply fell about laughing when I walked through the door. In another shop, I was admiring a Victorian desk – the antique dealer suggested with a completely straight face that perhaps I could purchase it on my allowances. Of course I realise that whatever happens, however transparent MPs are, there will be criticism. Throughout history it was ever thus.
Interestingly enough whilst out canvassing (we have two by-elections this week) there was no such banter. People were genuinely exercised about the Budget, were complaining about energy costs, motoring and council taxes. There was a notable level of understanding of how the profligacy of the Government has made us vulnerable in this period of economic slowdown. Doorstep attitudes confirmed our lead in the polls. It will get worse as in my experience doorstep comments are reflected in the polls about a fortnight later.
At a time when MPs pay is under the spotlight (quite understandably) the new Chief Executive of Suffolk is to be paid £220,000 per annum. Officials of our East of England Strategic Health Authority all get well into six figures too, although it has never been clear to me what they actually do.
It is simply part of the reason why public spending has ricocheted out of control in this country. It is indeed senior figures in local government and quangos who have never had it so good.