Breaching Parliamentary Rules.

Posted By: Wera Hobhouse
Date Posted: 23/03/2010

Heywood and Middleton’s Labour MP Jim Dobbin has been found by the BBC to have breached parliamentary rules.

In the past year the public has heard so much about MPs wrong- doing that we almost expect these unpleasant news now as part of our daily Cornflakes.
When challenged by the BBC MPs have allegedly said that ‘this is just a technicality’. 
Hang on! Jim Dobbin goes on a free-bee on three occasions; that in itself is apparently standard practice. (I would actually feel pretty uncomfortable to go to some nice holiday spot without paying a penny. Isn’t there a saying that there is never such a thing as a free lunch?)

However what made Jim Dobbin breaching the rules is that he failed to declare an interest when subsequently signing several early day motions.

As local councillors we declare interests on a regular basis. It is part of our conscience as Elected Members that we make it clear whether we have accepted any hospitality (doesn’t happen often, certainly no trips abroad. I have never accepted a single gift in my 6 years on the Council) or have any outside interest relating to a particular issue.

We undergo special training on the issue, because there can be very serious consequences if we do not properly declare an interest, which could ultimately lead to being suspended from the Council. I remember clearly the rule of thumb given to us by our Chief Executive that as soon you wonder whether you should declare an interest it is probably best do to so anyway.

If we as local Elected Members have this ingrained in us, why should Members of Parliament be so haphazard on the issue?

As former councillor and Leader of Rochdale Council Jim Dobbin should know better. Residents in Heywood and Middleton - I think- will feel an overwhelming sense of disappointment. It is another blow to public trust in politicians. It shows that Jim Dobbin now lives in a Westminster bubble and has completely lost touch.