Julie Kirkbride, the former shadow culture secretary, is facing fresh pressure after she admitted using her parliamentary allowance to help fund a £50,000 extension to her constituency flat to accommodate her brother.
Yesterday I watched her on television defend her ‘complicated’ expenses but shortly after the Daily Telegraph reported that she was granted permission by the Commons fees office to increase her mortgage by £250 a month to fund an extra room. Her defence included the fact that childcare is hard to find and the arrangement with her brother suited everyone.
As far as I can see from the rule book, MPs’ childcare is not paid for by the taxpayer but Ms Kirkbride thought nothing of the taxpayer funding the extension which housed her childminding brother. Therefore the taxpayer was, albeit indirectly, funding her childcare costs. Bent Society mentions Ms Kirkbride, just a few days ago, was vocal in her insistence that her address should not be disclosed because she was being stalked. That wasn't mentioned in her television interview.
I sympathise with women who wish to have a family and a career, but unless you’re wealthy and can afford a resident nanny or have a big circle of family and friends, it is expensive. We have to accept we can't always have the best of both worlds.
There will be those who say Westminster wants to encourage women to be MPs and that is all well and good, but choices have to be made in life. Julie Kirkbride is lucky, obviously her husband and herself are considerably more wealthy than the average family, so why did she put herself in her present position. The allowances system may be wrong but expecting the taxpayer to fund an extension is also wrong. The excuse that it was cheaper to build an extension than move house is nonsense.
"It's a job I love" was part of her defence. I think 75% of women would love a job with the salary and perks of an MP, only most women would not be stupid enough to attempt to abuse a system and that is Ms Kirkbride's failing. David Cameron really needs to bring this matter to a swift end and ask her to stand down now.
Update: I understand Ms Kirkbride is standing down at the next election. 16.04
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21 comments:
Shameless.
Childcare is hard to find and it is expensive, so, as she was in parliament, why wasn't she working hard to improve the availability of affordable childcare, not having servants' quarters built at tax payers' expense.
I totally agree with you on the question of "having it all", SR.
It would be nice if it were possible; career, kids, social life, hobbies. As you say, if you are very very rich you probably can have most of it, but no amount of political correctness can address the fact that life is life. If you're looking after you youngster, you can't be in a debate in Westminster at the same time. Live with it Ms Kirkbride.
If onbly over the mortgage increase, Cameron should fire her. If he doesn't the constituency sure will.
Maybe she and her husband have a grand plan. He is resigning to do the childcare (like a lot of 'modern' Dads) and she can stay on to save the world...
SR,
If she doesn't resign, he should withdraw the whip or sack her himself, if that's possible.
Her and her hubbie are a disgrace to common decency, why hasn't she been doing something to help the homeless?
Crazy D
I totally agree. Note, however the continued spotlight on Tories and the unlit shadows of Labour. Brilliant but hateful Snotty work!
It's amazing, the more I read your blog, the more I find we're living in the same world, with the same problems, same arguments and same no-solutions...Were these MPs, the World over, sent to the same school? They all seem to behave the same way, no matter what country they 're in...
BL. I think the phrase is "power corrupts", and a little power corrupts little people...
Aye - it's no easy at the top.
WV = reeke
She is going to resign - but not yet. More poor and pensioners' purses to be plundered first.
I read somewhere she employed a nanny and the brother looked after the child at the weekends. When do they ever spent any time with the bairn?
Mek, there's more chance of my postman saving the world than this woman. All she's interested in is saving herself right now. She sees the gravy train coming to a halt.
I agree CD, the whip should be taken from her now. DC seems to have a soft spot for her...
scunnert, it's a bluddy sight more difficult at the bottom, I can tell you that.
Indeed Brownlie, he really should get rid today, it's not doing the tories any good. Strange how political leaders seem too lack in common sense isn't it.
It's a certaintype of person who wants to be an MP Baron. Some manage to keep their personality and others become too absorbed in the game.
Another Tory gone at least the spotlight of media attention has forced them out of the shadows in which they lurk.
Tally so far
seven conservative MPs
two labour MPs
one speaker
Funny how the Torygraph under the instruction of the conservatives released the information.
In order to cause as much political damage to the labour party and now find the Torys the offenders in Chief.
Not really Niko.
Dave will now have HIS placemen in utterly secure Tory seats.
Conan
I'm afraid you have once again underestimated the lib-dems....Giggle
subrosa
There is a hint of green-eyed monster in your attack on Julie..
Unfortunately her being 'Bad' only adds to and does not diminish her allure.
"mad, bad, and dangerous to know"
Mr Mxyptlk.
Lay off the buckie, it's affecting yer reasoning.
Strange that the subject of domicile status and tax seems to have disappeared off the Westmidden agenda. Couldn't possible be Westmidden and the variations of whatever within are frantically trying to appease the wrath of those whom they've upset.
The money people to be slightly more precise. Folk like the Barclay brothers for instance.
Do you honestly believe that it's the Telewag that is doing the crusading? Not at all, it's merely a tool the money people are using of letting Westmidden have a reminder of who's really in charge.
...and the Westmidden party that is more obliging and pleasing to the money people in the forgetfulness on the subject of tax or other grace and favour entitlements.
Money = power = influence = privilidge.
... and only a numpty could possibly think otherwise.
.
Ding Dang
its difficult to keep up
Tally so far
seven conservative MPs Uh! its now eight
two labour MPs
one speaker
Niko let me assure you that I have no envy of Julie Kirkbride. The thought of being married to her husband is horrifying.
Also I have had a mainly happy and fulfilling career structure Niko and never wished for any job in politics. I prefer being one of these people who gets results with my own efforts.
Yes Tom, good comment.
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