Bassetlaw: MP John Mann requests urgent action on reform of Standards Committee after expenses shame

MP for Bassetlaw John Mann submitted a request to Speaker John Bercow for an urgent question on reform of the Standards Committee this morning (Monday 7th April).
MP for Bassetlaw John MannMP for Bassetlaw John Mann
MP for Bassetlaw John Mann

If the request is granted by the Speaker, John Mann will ask the urgent question at 3.30pm this afternoon and would be answered by a Government Minister.

Mr Mann commented: “The Standards Committee’s recent decision to overrule the conclusions made by the independent Commissioner for Standards, Kathryn Hudson, in the case of Maria Miller has highlighted the problem of MPs regulating their own expenses.”

“Public trust in Parliament and in the expenses system has now completely eroded and we need a new, transparent regulatory system.”

“The Standards Committee should have its power to rule on MPs’ expenses abolished, and more power should be given to the independent Commissioner.”

“We have to stop the practice of MPs regulating themselves.”

“That is why this morning I have put in a request for an Urgent Question to the Government on drastic reform of the Standards Committee.”

“I hope that the Speaker will grant this request, as faith in politicians is at crisis point and urgent action is required,” he added.