Welsh Lib Dems Promise New Code of Conduct on Expenses

8.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Sun 24th May 2009

Whilst the arguments continue and public anger grows over the recent MPs expenses scandals, Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Kirsty Williams has announced that a code of conduct is being drawn up in relation to expenses.

The code will be discussed by the Party's National executive later this month, but Kirsty has made it clear that:

"anybody who doesn't sign up to that code of conduct will not be a Welsh Liberal Democrat candidate in any election."

Pontypridd Parliamentary candidate Mike Powell welcomed the news, although regrets that it has become necessary.

"The system at Westminster should have been tightened up long ago, but those involved in the recent scandals cannot just blame the system. There have been examples of blatant abuse of the rules and it is not acceptable for an elected representative to behave in this way."

Mike is concerned that the trust of the public will take some considerable time to regain and says that being elected to serve the people of your area should be regarded as a privilege, not an excuse to jump on the gravy train

"The public are rightly angry - as am I. Repaying the money will not make amends, the fact that they thought it ok to spend it in the first place says it all.

" The second home situation is ludicrous. An MPs home should be in the constituency he / she represents not swapped at will to make money and there needs to be sensible limits on spending."

Mike has been a County Councillor since 1999 and whilst he claims his annual allowance he has never claimed any of the travel expenses he is entitled to believing the allowance is a fair rate for the job.