Citizens’ Convention: MPs’ expenses was a factor for majority of voters
by Beatrice Karol Burks
20:00 04/06/09
Results just in from Demos and Ipsos MORI's Citizens' Convention on MPs' expenses
The Citizens' Convention is underway at the Southbank Centre. From a representative sample of 50 members of the public convening now at the Royal Festival Hall:
- Of the participants who voted, 6 in 10 said the scandal was a factor in the way they voted
- Of those who did not vote, 7 in 10 of the participants said the MPs’ expenses scandal was a factor in their decision not to vote
- Only half of the participants voted in today’s elections
- 1 in 20 of the participants did not know there was an election today
With government going into meltdown on front pages and computer screens across the country, today's elections look set to change the political landscape we have become familiar with over the last decade. The most striking result from recent elections has been that of widespread voter apathy, but the mood at the Southbank tonight signals a changing tide. Participants are battling it out over the future of MPs' pay and expenses; should MPs' be paid more? Should they have second homes or university-style 'halls' of residence? Who decides when an MP isn't playing by the rules and how do we deal with that?
Stay tuned for more results and get involved in the debate with your thoughts below.
Jean
When Gordon Brown stood outside Downing Street for photocall with wife, he said he would conduct a different kind of government! He blatently lied and has been lying ever since. I emailed a Petition that GB should demand honesty, integrity and stop the spinning of the TB government, and THEN he might get the respect of the people. Guess what? His Downing Street minions refused my petition on the grounds that I was not taking him seriously????? It has and is now coming to pass that the people are not taking him seriously and know he is a delusional liar! Watch the clip when in the Commons TB's farewell speech? How he mouths 'well done' etc and pats TB's back? And this from the man who spouts 'Presbitarian honesty, integrity, fairness etc'!!!!
What he has sown over the last 12 years, he is reaping!!!
Jean
What happens to European MPs?
We should reduce the MPs to 400.
Turn Portculis House into an Hotel.
All expenses should be posted up in all MP's constituencies for scrutiny of the people.
'Parachute payments' should be scrapped - if an MP is doing a good job chances are they will not lose their seats at an election.
who wants to add their 'commandmants'?
Peter
Hi Jean - thanks for your comments. I like the Portcullis House suggestion. We heard a rumour that the MOD offered barracks for MPs. I'd quite like to see that..
David Reeves
Increase MPs salaries to an appropriate level in the civil service scale/teachers scale cf head of large comprehensive school.
MPs should not be allowed to purchase 2nd homes. Insist that they rent only and give them a fixed allowance - one for central London and one for outside London.