So THAT’S who ate all the pies!

News that our local MP, Derek Wyatt, was caught bang to rights claiming 4 pork pies and 2 Scotch eggs on his Parliamentary allowance was treated as a bit of a joke in some sections of the media.

But homing in on this relatively small part of Mr Wyatt’s expenses deflects from several more serious aspects of his claim. For instance, how many of his constituents know that he claimed more in 2007-08 than every other member of parliament in the country bar one? (The Daily Mail)

For instance, in respect to the second home allowance, Mr Wyatt has claimed £87,729 in the past 4 years. That sum would buy outright a 2 bedroom house in Sheerness!

Setting aside the amount Mr Wyatt has raked in, there are a number of questions that need answering; not least, why he needs a second home in the first place. He insists that at one time he tried to commute to Westminster, but it made him ill. I wonder what the hundreds of people in Sittingbourne and Sheppey who have been commuting to London for many years think of that excuse!

I made it clear over a year ago that if I am lucky enough to be elected at the next General Election I will not claim money for a second home; instead I will commute every day. If there are occasions when I have to stay overnight in London because of parliamentary business, then I will use a hotel.

Another aspect of Mr Wyatt’s claim for a second home puzzles me; it is his reluctance to reveal the address of either his second home or his first home. He tells us that he won’t reveal the addresses because he wants to protect his family. I find that quite extraordinary; who does he think is out to get him?

In my view, if you want to represent your community then members of that community have a right to know where you live. I live at 6 The Crescent, Halfway, Minster, Sheerness ME12 3BQ. I am not ashamed of where I live, nor do I want to hide away from the residents of Sittingbourne & Sheppey.

I think it is about time that Mr Wyatt came clean about where he lives.

Getting back to Mr Wyatt’s grocery shopping list; at least we now know who ate all the pies…!