MP: 'TV programme revealed nothing new' (From Watford Observer)

MP: 'TV programme revealed nothing new'

1:16pm Thursday 23rd April 2009 in News By John Harrison

Watford MP Claire Ward has again defended her second home allowance, saying a weekend exposé in which she featured revealed nothing she had not already made public.

Ms Ward, who claims taxpayers' money for a flat in Westminster, was featured in a Channel 4 television programme on Sunday night.

The Dispatches programme, entitled The Westminster Gravy Train, investigated MP's controversial second home allowances.

It featured Ms Ward, who claimed the full amount last year – more than £23,000 – despite living just 20 minutes from London.

However, Ms Ward says the programme did not reveal anything about her lifestyle, or the allowances she claims, that is not already public knowledge.

Ms Ward told the Watford Observer that she did, however, accept the general public's trust in MPs is now at rock bottom.

She said she welcomed a Government review of the allowance system, but again defended her own claims.

The mother-of-two says without her Westminster home she would barely see her two young children.

She said: “In reality leaving my family in Watford all week would mean that I would not see them on any night and rarely in the mornings during the week.

“The job of an MP is not 9 to 5 weekdays, it also involves work and engagements at the weekend.

“I am fully committed to my job as the MP for Watford - but like any mother I also have responsibility for my family.

“I accept that public confidence in politicians and the allowances system is at rock bottom and that we cannot continue the present system.

“That is why I welcome the review into MPs' pay and allowances.”

Ms Ward would not comment on the Prime Minister's idea to reimburse MPs for every day they attend Parliament, saying it was not yet a formal proposal to be considered.