We're looking for a Mumsnetter to represent us at a 'News Comment Special' about MPs' expenses

[GeraldineMumsnet]

Editorial Intelligence in association with Sky News are inviting a Mumsnetter to attend a panel and group discussion, which will be podcast.

Here's a pdf of the invite so you can see the date/location/panel etc (which includes Helena Kennedy, Norman Baker and Derek Wyatt).

Please throw your names/nominations into the hat. We'd want whoever goes to blog or twitter, or something suitably modern, about the proceedings. It's next Wed, so it needs to be decided fairly swiftly.

Bring back the stocks I say!!

I'd forgive them if they'd each had to endure 8hrs in the stocks with rotten cabbage and tomatoes laid on.

Are we, the people, able to move a vote of no confidence?

Now that's interesting Jux. I hadn't thought of that. I have made up my mind that unless something very impressive happens, I am not voting in elections that involve the kind of politics we have today. I simply have no one to vote for.

That I might vote for however.

Aah. I am a bit out of touch with the kids so I am quite pleased that something I thought of as a given rule hasnt changed. So it is best I dont ask my sister how her dyke friends are then
Thank you for answering me. I didnt want you to think I was being a bit odd or trying to cause offence.

You need to get a tshirt printed

I had a 'wench connection' t shirt. And a really odd one that said 'dodo dodo' in the coca cola font (cheers dad)

I was really disappoointed in Kaufmann with his rug and £8000(!!!!) telly. I thought he was an honourable bloke.

And I'm v glad to hear that CPP announcement.

CPS I mean

It's astoniushing. And we owe a lot to an independent woman journo who was writing a book on the Freeedom of Info act and decided to try a few requests under the act to look into aspects of Parliament. She found her requests being oddly blocked and so fought for 5 yrs to get expenses revealed. And then the gun was jumped when the info was leaked in advance of being made officially available. The Speaker et al fought at every turn to keep it hidden.

Actually - not a hope in hells chance, and not challenge to you personally PW - but I'd like to go (but also could only if expenses were paid, which makes it even more unlikely I know.

It's Monkeytrousers BTW.

I think Lupus would be excellent. As would pw. But maybe in the interest of fairness it should be Lupus?

It would also prove we have more than one searingly intelligent brain on our forum...

Has policy been confirmed yet?

Mentioned on another thread re: the American journalist and her campaign. Didn't realize her initial application was in 2004 (and Tony Blair shredded his expenses in 2005 )

Needless to say, she didn't get much support.

american and foi

I wonder if there's any correlation between the worst MPs with their snouts in the trough and those who rant about benefits claimants being on the take? Or who vote against increases in benefits, or pensions (not sure there's ever been a vote but if there has...)?

My MP is Peter Lilley. He's one of those who makes the most money from the second homes allowance, despite representing a commuter seat 25 minutes from London on the train.

Yet he slagged off people on benefits and single mothers and various other disadvantaged people when he was a minister under Thatcher - made an infamous speech to the Tory conference about having a little list (of poor people who would be targetted).

I bet the Tories who claimed for moat-cleaning and chandeliers fall into this category... that's not to excuse MPs from other parties but would be interesting to see.

I think it would be helpful if there were proper controls on MPs expenses so that they represent expenses in the normal sense of the word

oh bugger just realised Lupus said she can't do it. Robes, MT [vittoria] or pw would all be wonderful [though i know you haven't volunteered Robes]