By Julian Whittle Political editor

Last updated at 13:58, Monday, 08 February 2010

Would-be Carlisle MP John Metcalfe has promised not to join the “Westminster gravy train” should he be elected.

Keen fisherman: City’s socialist candidate John Metcalfe

The former Labour mayor, who is standing as a socialist Independent at the General Election, has pledged:

• Not to claim for mortgage interest on a second home;

• Not to employ family members on expenses;

• To have all his expenses and donations on public view at Carlisle library;

• Not to accept consultancy work or directorships;

• Not to take foreign trips paid for by private companies or lobbyists;

• That all stays in London will be in hotels or rented accommodation.

Mr Metcalfe said: “The city’s next MP has a moral obligation to be fully open, transparent and accountable on the issue of expenses. This is rightly an issue that electors want commitments on from their potential future representative.”

He was speaking in the wake of Sir Thomas Legg’s review of Parliamentary expenses, published on Thursday.

Sir Thomas ordered MPs to repay £1.12m claimed between 2004 and 2009.

Mr Metcalfe added: “What we have seen over many years is what can only be described as pure greed.

“With rules made up by MPs, they created a system that has breached the public’s trust. Carlisle’s next MP carries a big responsibility to rebuild that trust.

“Representing Carlisle is an honour, not a ticket to catch the gravy train.”

Mr Metcalfe also believes electors should have the right recall their MP and force a by-election if they are unhappy with the MP’s performance.

That rules governing expenses should be audited and controlled by a body independent of Parliament.

And that MPs should not receive a windfall payment of more than £100,000 when they retire from Parliament.

Mr Metcalfe was mayor of Carlisle in 1996-7 and a Labour councillor for Denton Holme for 13 years.

He left the party in 1999, disillusioned by what he saw as a drift to the right.

His pledge on expenses echoes a similar stance from Green Party candidate John Reardon.

The Greens have challenged all candidates to commit to a “clean campaign” pledge.

This would prevent Carlisle’s next MP from claiming for household expenses or food and require whoever wins to have their expenses audited by a firm of accountants.

First published at 11:25, Monday, 08 February 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk