London Second Home Amendment Shames Politics - Teather

2.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 10th Jul 2008

Local MP Sarah Teather lives in Willesden Green

Local Liberal Democrat MP for Brent East Sarah Teather voted against a Brent Labour MP's amendment that has allowed London MPs to continue claiming money for a second home and lavish furnishings.

A report brought before parliament yesterday aimed to restore public trust in politics by reviewing MPs allowances. If Labour MPs had backed the report it would have slashed money for second homes for London MPs, abolished the infamous "John Lewis list", and introduced an independent external audit committee to scrutinise MPs expenses.

However, an amendment proposed by a Brent Labour MP has reversed these changes to maintain the status quo. London MPs will therefore be able to continue claiming up to £24,000 from the taxpayer for second homes.

Sarah Teather has never claimed money for a second home, despite being entitled to do so. She has just one home in Willesden Green.

Local Liberal Democrat MP for Brent East Sarah Teather said:

"This is a shocking amendment that shames politics and will infuriate the public.

"At a time when so many families in Brent are having to tighten their belts, local people will be staggered to learn that Labour MPs have sabotaged the good work of those trying to reform parliament.

"The second home allowance for London MPs is a gross misuse of taxpayers money and totally unjustified. Why should taxpayers shell out to provide an extra home for London MPs when so many people in Brent do not have a home at all?

"It is simply unacceptable for MPs who live so close to Parliament to continue claiming money for a second home. Local people quite rightly want to see principle brought back into politics, and will be shocked that Labour MPs have succeeded in preserving the status quo."