Re: Owen Paterson: Anger as Tory MP avoids suspension in rule shake-up
 

I thought exactly the same, they're attempting to rig absolutely everything and they move at such a speed there isn't any opportunity for proper scrutiny or accountability.

Re: Owen Paterson: Anger as Tory MP avoids suspension in rule shake-up
 

The MP for my mother’s area is Stephen Kinnock and this morning I had to drop off some documents from her to his office.

He wasnt there obviously so I handed them over to one of his assistants. I mentioned all this business about MPs having second/third jobs especially from companies that could benefit directly from that MP’s involvement, she just shrugged her shoulders and said “that’s politics for you”.

I’m not suggesting for one moment that Kinnock has an extra income or is up to anything improper but the impression I had from the assistant is that it’s virtually expected for MPs to be on the take.

Re: Owen Paterson: Anger as Tory MP avoids suspension in rule shake-up
 

I think I read it's something like 1 in 4 Conservative MPs have a second job and just a handful amongst the other parties. So not a majority of MPs by any stretch of the imagination nor even a majority of Conservative MPs either.

Re: Owen Paterson: Anger as Tory MP avoids suspension in rule shake-up
 

Maybe they aren't educated to a high enough standard to offer them a second high earning job, take Angela Rayner what could she do, toilet cleaner:shrug:

Re: Owen Paterson: Anger as Tory MP avoids suspension in rule shake-up
 

Maximum age to get rid of the career politicians.

Re: Owen Paterson: Anger as Tory MP avoids suspension in rule shake-up
 

Most likely because in general, Tory MPs are likely to have had private sector careers before entering the Commons whereas Labourites are more likely to have worked for a trade union or a role connected with the political process in some way. Consultancy type jobs are easier to keep going part time. Certain professional qualifications require continuing practice for the professional accreditation to continue.

Re: Owen Paterson: Anger as Tory MP avoids suspension in rule shake-up
 

What age do you send them to the scrap heap?

Re: Owen Paterson: Anger as Tory MP avoids suspension in rule shake-up
 

50. Same as the Department for Work and Pensions.

Re: Owen Paterson: Anger as Tory MP avoids suspension in rule shake-up
 

You mean the house of Lords

I think something needs doing about that to, there's now 800 unelected lords making decisions on our behalf, all with their hand out, thought we voted against this sort of thing

Re: Owen Paterson: Anger as Tory MP avoids suspension in rule shake-up
 

I actually found it an encouraging statistic. I don't think MPs should have a second job but happy for them to do CPD or if necessary, pro bono work, to retain their qualifications and institutional memberships.

Re: Owen Paterson: Anger as Tory MP avoids suspension in rule shake-up
 

It costs £3,000,000 to get in , I'd have my hand out if i coughed up all that money to get in.

Re: Owen Paterson: Anger as Tory MP avoids suspension in rule shake-up
 

Yes, it is a slippery slope, and a very tempting one. I spent a while as a consultant (not simultaneously as an MP mind you!) and the way pay is calculated as a day rate in which it is assumed you are your own employer and will be paying all your NI, sick pay, holiday pay, pension etc out of it makes it an extremely attractive way to work that few people in their right minds would give up easily or willingly. I didn’t; the financial crash of 2008 pulled the rug right out from under me. You can see why someone who possibly expects to serve only a couple of terms in Parliament (as many do) would want to keep their hand in, even if there isn’t a professional accreditation to maintain, but you can also see how that sort of money can prompt questions about conflicts of interest.

The idea about doing pro bono or CPD only is an intriguing one, but doesn’t entirely eliminate the whiff of corruption if that work gives a third party unfair access to or influence over government.

Re: Owen Paterson: Anger as Tory MP avoids suspension in rule shake-up
 

Here are Kinnock's other sources of income as of 1st November: https://publications.parliament.uk/p...ck_stephen.htm

Re: Owen Paterson: Anger as Tory MP avoids suspension in rule shake-up
 

The Danish Football Association ? How weird.

Re: Owen Paterson: Anger as Tory MP avoids suspension in rule shake-up