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Thursday, May 14, 2009
BREAKING NEWS: Andrew MacKay Resigns
BBC News is reporting that David Cameron's Parliamentary adviser Andrew MacKay has resigned his position over expenses claims...
First of the few? If this wealthy guy has also been elbowing at the trough then good riddance. A large clear out of arrogance in all parties will be very refreshing. Give me a Toff any day, over a trough!
That would be the MP for Bracknell who is married to Julie Kirkbride MP for Bromsgrove. No doubt active in the housing market as a former estate agent. It is intriguing to think that such coupes might be claiming for different secondary residences.
Obviously the Telegraph has warned them of tomorrow's 'Honourable members who are couples' stories!!
Tebbitt has just said this is just the start and Cameron and MacKay have done the right thing!
Iain. The anger, as you are well aware is quite different than anything we have ever experienced.
cameron should suggest to ALL Associations that they have committee's set up to question their Tory MP and to call an extraordinary General Meeting to select a new candidate, if necessary, as soon as possible.
The Tories must be seen, from top to bottom, to be cleaning the stables. Cameron has amazed me.He is acting superbly!
Oldrightie's conspiracy theory gathers momentum? This would have been a triumph for James Brown if Mr Mackay had not quit immediately. Now it strengthens Mr Cameron's hand as a decisive and strong leader.
It'd be interesting to know the details here. BBC is saying both he and his wife claim a second home allowance. As I understand it, he represents Bracknell and she represents part of Birmingham. It would seem that at various times of the year they might legitmately need 3 homes: one in London and one in each of their two constituencies, which are hardly next door to each other. So I am puzzled as to why there should be a problem with each of them claiming a second home allowance (assuming that a second home allowance is seen as reasonable in itself.)
There must be something that hasn't been reported that has led to this: perhaps excessive claims or similar.
Provided that the homes claimed for were genuinely second homes (i.e. that for tax purposes they reside in London), and that the homes are reasonably modest and have not had excessive work done to them through the parliamentary expenses system, it would seem entirely legitimate that these MPs should have a second home inside their constituency.
We will have to wait for the detail, but if they have stayed inside the parameters I have set out above then I think this may be a step too far. Are we just seeing resignations to appease the newspapers and voters? Are we seeing a pre emptive strike against Balls/Cooper?
After the Telegraph has finished its demolition of the House, we may also see a few MPs who make a fair contest of the claims made. There has already been some talk of expenses allocated to the wrong MP throught the fees office, allocatred to an MP of similar name. John Maples has also had something to say about the slant put on the reporting.
There is no doubt that there have been some incredible cases of Fraud, deception, tax evasion and downright troughing, but I will be surprised if every allegation is made to stick, and I wonder if there are MPs who are not fighting back right now because they feel it will go away quicker if they simply roll over.
Got to say watching Andrew McKay being trated like shit by a young BBC newsreader was absolutely grotesque. Andrew should have slapped the sprog around the head.
Not forgetting that young lad is paid more by the BBC for a couple of hours work a day than MacKay is for a very responsible 24/7 job.
It is not wonderfully interesting to see how Cameron is "leading". His guy resigns immediately. Whereas the labour people hang on to the bitter end milking the system for as long as possible.
It is such a shame that most of the world talks of politics, of course politics is going through a bad time. Why on earth do the labour people always resort to class distinctions and never want to talk politics can't they ever get rid of the chip on their shoulder.
I'm equally confused as msj as to why a third property hasn't been mentioned. Correct me if I'm wrong but it sounds to me as if Andrew MacKay doesn't have a property in his Bracknell constituency at all, because they seem just to have been claiming for their London property and the Bromsgrove constituency where the family home is? If he has a Bracknell property, why isn't the second homes allowance used for that?
Bracknell, a solid safe Tory seat, is an hour on the train to London Waterloo (a 10 min walk from Parliament). So presumably he has been making do with carrying out occasional constituency duties without having to stay overnight and then staying in Bromsgrove when he doesn't need to be in London? If this is possible then it begs the question as to why he needs a second home allowance at all to carry out his duties as an MP?
Cameron has now set up Brown to have to sack both Teddy Gonads and partner tomorrow if they are found to be playing the same games as Mackay and Kirkbride, or making him look even more insincere on the expenses furore than hitherto. Therefore at a stroke removing 2 more of his closest supporters from the cabinet, and leaving him even more isolated.
I have links to both Bracknell and Bromsgrove having lived most of my life in Worcestershire and more than a decade in Berkshire.
As far as I am concerned both should now stand down or be deselected for the forthcoming general election. I can tell you for a fact this will not go down well here in Worcestershire where money is an awful lot tighter than it is down south.
This will help the neighbouring dishonourable MP for Redditch unless they are shown the door. If the conservatives boot these people out there will be a massive swing in the public vote towards the conservatives.
Does this mean tomorrow is couples' day?
ReplyDeleteThe way I read it, he's resigned as an adviser to Cameron, not as an MP.
ReplyDeleteFirst of the few? If this wealthy guy has also been elbowing at the trough then good riddance. A large clear out of arrogance in all parties will be very refreshing. Give me a Toff any day, over a trough!
ReplyDeleteThat would be the MP for Bracknell who is married to Julie Kirkbride MP for Bromsgrove. No doubt active in the housing market as a former estate agent. It is intriguing to think that such coupes might be claiming for different secondary residences.
ReplyDeleteObviously the Telegraph has warned them of tomorrow's 'Honourable members who are couples' stories!!
ReplyDeleteTebbitt has just said this is just the start and Cameron and MacKay have done the right thing!
Iain. The anger, as you are well aware is quite different than anything we have ever experienced.
cameron should suggest to ALL Associations that they have committee's set up to question their Tory MP and to call an extraordinary General Meeting to select a new candidate, if necessary, as soon as possible.
The Tories must be seen, from top to bottom, to be cleaning the stables. Cameron has amazed me.He is acting superbly!
Ah but he's a canny bugger that Cameron.
ReplyDeleteOver to you Mr Morley....
Oldrightie's conspiracy theory gathers momentum? This would have been a triumph for James Brown if Mr Mackay had not quit immediately. Now it strengthens Mr Cameron's hand as a decisive and strong leader.
ReplyDeleteAppalling as this is, has David Cameron stolen another march on Brown? Will Balls and/or Cooper resign?
ReplyDeleteThe "first" of the Cameron committee clean out?
ReplyDeleteWell done for recognising that his position was untenable
It'd be interesting to know the details here. BBC is saying both he and his wife claim a second home allowance. As I understand it, he represents Bracknell and she represents part of Birmingham. It would seem that at various times of the year they might legitmately need 3 homes: one in London and one in each of their two constituencies, which are hardly next door to each other. So I am puzzled as to why there should be a problem with each of them claiming a second home allowance (assuming that a second home allowance is seen as reasonable in itself.)
ReplyDeleteThere must be something that hasn't been reported that has led to this: perhaps excessive claims or similar.
Tomorrow will be the grand finale and the married MPs are in the sights of the big guns.
ReplyDeleteMacKay has resigned 'cos he knows the game is up and has done so 14 hours or so in advance of the detonation.
This is why we haven't heard about Teddy Testicles so far. He and his lovely inept Mrs are tomorrow's toast.
Looks like Cam's cleaner was better thann Gordon's (shared) cleaner.
ReplyDeleteThe BBC writes: "It is understood that Mr MacKay and his wife claimed second homes allowances on two separate properties."
ReplyDeleteIf this caused McKay to resign, it would be hard for Balls and Cooper to remain in the Cabinet if they were doing the same.
The BBC say him and his wife claimed for TWO homes on the taxpayer - if this is true they should BOTH be kicked out of the party just like Conway.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know if Balls/Cooper have done a MacKay/Kirkbride?
ReplyDeleteProvided that the homes claimed for were genuinely second homes (i.e. that for tax purposes they reside in London), and that the homes are reasonably modest and have not had excessive work done to them through the parliamentary expenses system, it would seem entirely legitimate that these MPs should have a second home inside their constituency.
ReplyDeleteWe will have to wait for the detail, but if they have stayed inside the parameters I have set out above then I think this may be a step too far. Are we just seeing resignations to appease the newspapers and voters? Are we seeing a pre emptive strike against Balls/Cooper?
After the Telegraph has finished its demolition of the House, we may also see a few MPs who make a fair contest of the claims made. There has already been some talk of expenses allocated to the wrong MP throught the fees office, allocatred to an MP of similar name. John Maples has also had something to say about the slant put on the reporting.
There is no doubt that there have been some incredible cases of Fraud, deception, tax evasion and downright troughing, but I will be surprised if every allegation is made to stick, and I wonder if there are MPs who are not fighting back right now because they feel it will go away quicker if they simply roll over.
I guess poor old Mackay will have gone "oranged faced" like his predecessor when his wife asked him to quit his post.
ReplyDeleteYep, I think his wife should share in his fate. It is the duty of a wife after all.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteDave starts another day ahead.
ReplyDeleteMr Mp claims House A as main and House B as secondary, Mrs MP claims House B as main and House a as secondary.
ReplyDeleteNet result is that we pay for upkeep of both houses while they pay nothing.
Surely to goodness none of them would stoop that low?
Well it had to happen sometime, Cameron needs to keep it up.
ReplyDeleteWhoop-de-doo! Resigned as an aide but not an MP?
ReplyDeleteThis isn't even re-arranging deckchairs on the Titanic, it's dusting off a window-ledge on the Titanic.
Got to say watching Andrew McKay being trated like shit by a young BBC newsreader was absolutely grotesque. Andrew should have slapped the sprog around the head.
ReplyDeleteNot forgetting that young lad is paid more by the BBC for a couple of hours work a day than MacKay is for a very responsible 24/7 job.
It is not wonderfully interesting to see how Cameron is "leading". His guy resigns immediately. Whereas the labour people hang on to the bitter end milking the system for as long as possible.
ReplyDeleteIt is such a shame that most of the world talks of politics, of course politics is going through a bad time.
ReplyDeleteWhy on earth do the labour people always resort to class distinctions and never want to talk politics can't they ever get rid of the chip on their shoulder.
Top Cameron Aid resignsWith some remarks regarding Gordon 'Ditherer' Brown and the real 'do nothing' party...
ReplyDeleteWhen are the likes of Maude and Duncan going to be asked to leave the Shadow Cabinet?
ReplyDeleteWho wants a bunch of people on the take being considered for the next Conservative government?
I'm equally confused as msj as to why a third property hasn't been mentioned. Correct me if I'm wrong but it sounds to me as if Andrew MacKay doesn't have a property in his Bracknell constituency at all, because they seem just to have been claiming for their London property and the Bromsgrove constituency where the family home is? If he has a Bracknell property, why isn't the second homes allowance used for that?
ReplyDeleteBracknell, a solid safe Tory seat, is an hour on the train to London Waterloo (a 10 min walk from Parliament). So presumably he has been making do with carrying out occasional constituency duties without having to stay overnight and then staying in Bromsgrove when he doesn't need to be in London? If this is possible then it begs the question as to why he needs a second home allowance at all to carry out his duties as an MP?
Cameron has now set up Brown to have to sack both Teddy Gonads and partner tomorrow if they are found to be playing the same games as Mackay and Kirkbride, or making him look even more insincere on the expenses furore than hitherto. Therefore at a stroke removing 2 more of his closest supporters from the cabinet, and leaving him even more isolated.
ReplyDeleteCameron can obviously play hardball.
I have links to both Bracknell and Bromsgrove having lived most of my life in Worcestershire and more than a decade in Berkshire.
ReplyDeleteAs far as I am concerned both should now stand down or be deselected for the forthcoming general election. I can tell you for a fact this will not go down well here in Worcestershire where money is an awful lot tighter than it is down south.
This will help the neighbouring dishonourable MP for Redditch unless they are shown the door. If the conservatives boot these people out there will be a massive swing in the public vote towards the conservatives.
They've clearly worked out that she has the brighter future so he will take this one for the team. Cunts.
ReplyDelete