Letter from Parliament - Paul Rowen MP

Over thirty five years ago, one of my predecessors, Cyril Smith, famously described Westminster as the “…longest running farce in the West End”.

Tragically, in my view, events over the last few weeks have shown just how flawed our parliamentary democracy is. Like many people, I have been shocked at some of the claims for non existent mortgages, flipping homes or moat cleaning that some of my parliamentary colleagues have submitted.

I pro-actively released details of my expenses to Rochdale Online last week once the authorities had released a redacted version.

I’ve put an explanatory note on my website in advance of the full release in a couple of week’s time.

Like many new MPs back in 2005, I had to set up both my office in Rochdale and second home in London. I’ve used my expenses to provide a service to my constituents and I’ve tried to provide value for money. I think it is only right however that there is total transparency and I welcome the new rules announced last week following the Speaker’s meeting with the Party Leaders.

I hope we can now use this period for a proper discussion of how we can get Parliament reconnected to the people. It has been the gentleman’s club described by the Prime Minister and which was the real substance of Cyril’s remarks.

Should constituents be able to recall an MP whose actions (e.g. on allowances) give rise for concern? Should there be fixed term parliaments? Should we have a form of proportional representation so that Parliament can best reflect how people vote? I would very much welcome your views on this and any other issue.

Last Tuesday I was able to quiz the Foreign Secretary on the Middle East peace process. I also met the former Prime Minister of Kashmir, Barrister Sultan at a meeting organised by Lord Ahmed. Though we are from different political parties we do work together on issues like Kashmir.

On Wednesday I was first to ask the Prime Minister a question at Prime Minister’s Questions. Going first I was able to give my personal thanks to Speaker Mike Martin as well as raising the issue of Post Office Privatisation. Over the last few weeks I’ve received scores of letters about this issue. The PM was steadfast in his commitment to the policy though with over 140 of his own backbenchers opposing it. Whether it gets through remains to be seen.

Following this, I came back to Rochdale for the annual Mayor Making ceremony. I was delighted that Councillor Keith Swift was elected Mayor with my PA Sue Etchells as his Mayoress and Councillor Zulf Ali and his wife as Deputy Mayor and Mayoress. I’m sure they will make a good team as Robin Parker and his Mayoress have done this year.

Being in Rochdale, it meant I missed the installation of Archbishop Bishop Vincent Nichols at Westminster Cathedral. 

However I was able to attend a couple of meetings at the request of Councillor Ashley Dearnley about the plight of a Christian family from Pakistan and the proposed plans for a Mental Health Unit at Birch Hill.

Parliament has not been sitting this week so I have been based in Rochdale attending various meetings and visiting constituents. This included lunch with the British High Commissioner to Bangladesh with the Mayor and a fund raiser for Gaza organised at Karims by Anne McNicholas.

On Monday, I am recognising National Carer’s Week by doing a shift on Meals on Wheels. I am looking forward to seeing first hand the great job that the Volunteers do.