Torfaen MP's £3000 claim for new boiler (From South Wales Argus)

£6577 to clean up politics? A bargain.

The £5000 spent on new furniture should go some way towards the cost of a new cabinet.

It does not raise concerns about the allowance, it raises concerns about the integrity of the shysters who squeezed every last penny they could out of it.

This is not an issue of party, all parties seem to have their share of scumbags. My vote will be going to whichever party expells the most of the shameless, thievin'...

There are too many MP's and other politicians useing their position as a gravy train. In my home I have two taps, one for hot water and the other for cold water and it seems to me that Paul Murphy is too thick to understand that you add cold to hot to make it cooler.
The corrupt politicians in my view are also local councillors who voted to pay themselves up to £20,000 when they retire from a job that they volunteered to do knowing there was no remuneration other than the handsome expenses they get paid.

Actually, have just learned that the boiler was unsafe and could not be repaired - so, apologies to Mr Murphy, but the comment stands for the rest of them. They know who they are.

What we have he is legalised FRAUD

Good for Mr Murphy - get your nose as far in the trough as you can why don't you. The more the merrier, after all. I'm not sure it matters if the boiler was unsafe or not -- why should WE pay for it?

I wouldn't mind if he represented the voters as much as he supported the Government slavishly on so many issues. (Did he fight to keep Post Offices open? I don't *believe* he did, although I could be wrong, and if so apologies to him....)

But I'm still going to make sure my vote counts when I get the opportunity. And it won't be Mr Murphy getting my vote, I'm afraid.

D.G. wrote:
Actually, have just learned that the boiler was unsafe and could not be repaired - so, apologies to Mr Murphy, but the comment stands for the rest of them. They know who they are.

The sort of home I live in at that price I could have bought four boilers!!

Aquarius wrote:
Good for Mr Murphy - get your nose as far in the trough as you can why don't you. The more the merrier, after all. I'm not sure it matters if the boiler was unsafe or not -- why should WE pay for it? I wouldn't mind if he represented the voters as much as he supported the Government slavishly on so many issues. (Did he fight to keep Post Offices open? I don't *believe* he did, although I could be wrong, and if so apologies to him....) But I'm still going to make sure my vote counts when I get the opportunity. And it won't be Mr Murphy getting my vote, I'm afraid.

lol, I totally agree Aquarius. Spot on!

And all these years I have been paying for ongoing repairs, social occasions, home decoration etc out of my wages! I thought thats what everybody did?! Doh!

He said the water was too hot... maybe the thermostat needed replacing not the entire system.

USELESS TOSZERS! N YES THAT IS SPELT INNCORRECTLY ON PURPOSE...AZSE WIPES LIKE HIM AND OTHER nOBB HEADS SHOULD BE SHAKEN UPSIDE DOWN AND ALL THERE CASH GIVEN TO THOSE IN REAL POVERY! SHISSS

and they have the cheek to chase benefit cheats. i see no differance, they cliam there wage. save it and live off expensives

Greedy, greedy MPs. I earn maybe a tiny fraction of what these MP fraudsters do and I have to pay all of my bills, my expences myself. Why are they able to claim expences? they earn enough,they should fork out for there own repairs like the rest of us have to.

something should be done SWA! start a petition or summit? THIS IS DAYLIGHT ROBBERY OF 'NORMAL' PEOPLE, BUT WITH AN INVISIBLE GUN! i have to literal count my pennies every day to insure i HAVE enough gas/electric on my meter, so myself and my young child don't suffer! he/all those MP'S should be fined and brought back to the 'REAL' world! IDIOTS!!!!!!!!

Aquarius wrote:
Good for Mr Murphy - get your nose as far in the trough as you can why don't you. The more the merrier, after all. I'm not sure it matters if the boiler was unsafe or not -- why should WE pay for it? I wouldn't mind if he represented the voters as much as he supported the Government slavishly on so many issues. (Did he fight to keep Post Offices open? I don't *believe* he did, although I could be wrong, and if so apologies to him....) But I'm still going to make sure my vote counts when I get the opportunity. And it won't be Mr Murphy getting my vote, I'm afraid.

he has put his own gold nail in his political coffin!!!no my vote will go else where too. I am sorry to keep commenting about this, but it makes me sooo feking angry, that we are suffering whilst these so called representatives of the 'Common People' are running around like fat greed pigs trying to grab personal funds so they have things that the rest of us can only dream of! aghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

sassylady35 wrote:
something should be done SWA! start a petition or summit? THIS IS DAYLIGHT ROBBERY OF 'NORMAL' PEOPLE, BUT WITH AN INVISIBLE GUN! i have to literal count my pennies every day to insure i HAVE enough gas/electric on my meter, so myself and my young child don't suffer! he/all those MP'S should be fined and brought back to the 'REAL' world! IDIOTS!!!!!!!!

I agree! These corrupt money grabbing fools are a disgrace to hard working people. They take,take, take and give nothing back in return.
They are a Disgrace! and no-one will be getting my vote unless they can promise to give back to the people and not rob them like they have been doing for years.
They should be held accountable and made to pay back what they have taken from the public purse. They are low life scroungers who dont want to pay there own bills yet expect the rest of us too.

Kick them all out, robbing b......s and the Torfaen Labour and Plaid Councillors who voted thenmselves a pay rise . Disgusting .Better voting the monster raving looney party than to vote this gready lot.They think us people are fools ,we will show them come the elections

Before we start...I'm a councillor so I'm not even going down the route of expenses!... well almost....anyway....
In terms of common sense I do wonder how people governing the country get where they are and the intelligence of the people surrounding them.

I mean, I had exactly the same problem wityh my boiler ( so did the rest of my street )...My boiler was pumping out boiling water too... ( the clue is in the word boiler...) which was great, since it meant I had hot water...but very hot, however, to solve the problem I simply added what we common people call "cold water" and hey presto!...it solved the problem, in fact now the temperature of the water is just right, in fact, infinitly variable, just by adding the "cold water"!

Now, from the thousands of highly paid hangers-on that work for and around Mr Murphy and his colleagues...paid for by us....surely we must have some aide d'camp in the government available, for a fee I accept, to instruct the minister on how to turn on a tap ( albeit the complexity of a mixer tap)...If not, then perhaps can I suggest an all expenses paid fact finding mission to say, Monte Carlo or Nashville be arranged as soon as possible (not exceeding say £20,000) to see how they make their water cooler.

Ultimately it will be to the benefit of the taxpayers since it will save hundreds of pounds on Mr Murphys gas bills, thereby relieving the tax burden on the public purse.

Can we please have someone on standby to show him how to turn the ignition key of his car on, to save the cost of a chauffeur....

This councillor Cunnington has a nerve ,he just voted himself a nice little earner curtesy of his Labour pals in Torfaen Council.

YOUR SO RIGHT SAFE, HE DID and not just ONE payrise but TWO since january this yr. id like a full list of the cllrs who voted it in and who didnt. anyone know where i can get that information?

Why are you all so surprised? Surely you realise that the higher up the Labour(and supporters) political chain, the more corrupt it gets!!

As for Cllr Cunnington, well, I am appauled at his audacity to come on here and complain about the MP's when he himself voted for 2 payrises in 3 months to his Cllr wage.
POT & KETTLE!

This is the same Cllr Cunnington that is responsible for Labour re-taking control in Torfaen, by voting Bob Wellington as Leader. He did it because Bob Wellington is a new "listening man". Sadly, he listens ONLY to those that kept him in power.
What did Cllr Cunnington get out of it? An extra £8,304 a year on top of his £13,000 wage for supporting Bob.

There are some good moral Councillors in Torfaen now but sadly, there are 5 who committed the greatest atrocity. Plaid, Cunnington & Cathcart's disgusting behaviour will not be forgotten.

I do not intend to be disresectable to the Irish in general but if this murphy is so stupid as to not no where the cold tap is he must be the original thick mick.And as I dont suffer fools gladly HE WILL NO LONGER BE GETTING MY VOTE.

mine either dianddai.

He is finished in Torfaen. He has milked the system for too long. Time for some new blood.

He should have had insurance cover like most other people do but perhaps he did and is claiming of that also he certainly seems to have enough brass to do so.

Paul Murphy gets paid a wage, like the rest of us working people. What is different is that my boss doesnt pay for travel, food, a 2nd house, to furnish it & pay its repair bills!!

Locally, the Labour/Plaid/Cathcar
t/Cunnington coalition seem happy to accept money from us by voting 2 payrises in this year.

Disgraceful, from the top to the bottom.

Whether its helping themselves to the money tree we've built or claiming new boilers, their all as bad as each other. They all want a piece of the pot whilst the country slowly sinks.

Pay for your own repairs/bills/cleani
ng like the rest of us!

M.P Paul Murphy has landed himself in hot water this time.Time to turn the heat up on Labour and Plaid in Torfaen before they screw us for even more Tax payers money . I wounder if Paul Murphy was thinking globil warming could be the reason for his overheating boiler

OINK!OINK!OINK!OINK!
OINK!
OINK!!!

safe 16 wrote:
M.P Paul Murphy has landed himself in hot water this time.Time to turn the heat up on Labour and Plaid in Torfaen before they screw us for even more Tax payers money . I wounder if Paul Murphy was thinking globil warming could be the reason for his overheating boiler

LOL!!..Global Warming! I dont see why not they blame everything on that "Bogey-Man" anyway..LOL!!!

Great someone's bitten !..."homepage-panteg
" & "safe16" yet another couple so filled with conviction that they hide behind covert usernames!... If you are going to talk claptrap, have the decency to declare yourself so we all know who is foolish enough to comment without knowing the facts.

Firstly, your information is wrong.. not far out, but nevertheless wrong - which really puts into doubt the rest of your nonsense...if you think that I get £21304 expenses then you are as deluded as the people that dangle your strings, furthermore I do the job and attend the meetings, which is easy to check, if you can be bothered - which is more than I can say for some of the other new critical "opposition" members who are happy to grab their expenses - duality!...I don't see you having a stab at them, but then again why should you. Furthermore where do you get your information that I, or in fact anyone else has voted a pay rise, I can't remeber voting for it and it doesn't appear to be recorded anywhere either, come to the next council meeting, or if you can be bothered...any council meeting.

Here's a bit more for your diary, following the unfounded critisism by the likes of you and some of your former hypocritical colleagues in the now farcical Torfaen Peoples Coalition - claiming that myself and Peter Cathcart had betrayed the electorate by voting to maintain sensible democratic stability at the commencement of the new council - and following the prolonged critisism in the press as a result , I am keen to see what the electorate think now of all the Councillors that they initially voted for as "Independents", who have now had the audacity to openly form a constitutional political group....will you and they also class this as betrayal, since its impossible to comprehend how they can be both Independent and a Group at the same time...with a Leader and Deputy Leader!

And reading the comments from a few sour grape comments on blogs like this - I am more convinced now than I was at the start, that I made the right decision, having heard the ludicrous proposals that have been presented by the "Opposition Group" in the last 12 months of council - and furthermore I believe that had the original Coalition been successful - Torfaen would have been wrecked and become a laughing stock - as with some of the antics by its members, theatrical buffoonery by one or two of the Tories and earthshattering dynamic input from the Liberals, one of which you rarely see.

Fortunately I had the common sense not to join the coalition since the infighting within the TPC group caused it to fall apart at the seams - and with the new Independend Group making grand statements like “we will be scrutinising the decisions within the Council and holding the administration to account”, I would have to point out that thus far they can’t even hold themselves together let alone claim that they could run a council - in fact its started already with one of its members already jumping ship and at this point I would like to congratulate Councillor Tom Huish for having the sense to resign from the group and returning to the ranks of the pure Independends.

It will be interesting now, to see that, in the event of a change of the Opposition Leader - if he or she takes up the very allowance that they professed to critisise in the first place - and whether all those wailing for half expenses and percentage cuts and pointing a fingers, sacrificially don't bother to claim their basic allowance as supreme example the rest of us...or are you gullible enough to think that they are "forced" to claim them...

To date, as a result of lack of cohesion, direction and poor leadership, not one sensible proposal was presented by the TPC, save for endless rhetorical questions and political diatribe in the council chamber much to the weary dismay of people in the public gallery, councillors & officers, are we now to endure yet another year of rantings by a newly formed "Independent Group" who will be about as politically "savage" as a butterfly.

After a farcial 12 months of achieving nothing and playing politics, it will be interesting to see if any sensible voter ( or you ! ) challenges them on their Independent status since they are now members of political Independent Group (Group?), ultimately its only a matter of time when the “new group” will fall apart when greed and ambition take root.

Perhaps... this new political Flagship has sprung a leak before its maiden voyage !...

And for the record, don't even begin to compare me or any local authority councillor with the expense portfolio of Paul Murphy, any MP or God forbid an A.M....!

Hi Richard_stevens

I have to hand it to you - you are on the ball, except its the wrong shape...abit like your information and facts really. The information is available as a matter of public record from Town Hall, that the big square building made of stone and bricks in the middle of Pontypool...just north of Cwmbran...

Hope that helpful.

Great! A politcian that attempts to justify his behaviour by going on the attack. Thats called deflection.
The facts speak for themselves.
YOU voted for the 2nd payrise in 3 months.
As for your comments on Paul Murphy,
You stated "you wonder how people governing the country get where they are, and the intelligence of the people surrounding them".

Well, can I tell you something, it is people like you who keep this government in power, by putting your pocket over the thoughts and wants of us people that wasted a vote on you.
Fine example of an Independent Councillor you make. Your continued support of the Labour group, and its policies designed to alienate people, shows you up for exactly what you politicians are..... money grabbing people with ego's to feed and power trips to keep up.
Disgraceful behaviour.

MP PAUL MURPHY will not get my vote anymore.

Cllr Alastair Cunnington wrote:
Great someone's bitten !..."homepage-panteg

" & "safe16" yet another couple so filled with conviction that they hide behind covert usernames!... If you are going to talk claptrap, have the decency to declare yourself so we all know who is foolish enough to comment without knowing the facts.

Firstly, your information is wrong.. not far out, but nevertheless wrong - which really puts into doubt the rest of your nonsense...if you think that I get £21304 expenses then you are as deluded as the people that dangle your strings, furthermore I do the job and attend the meetings, which is easy to check, if you can be bothered - which is more than I can say for some of the other new critical "opposition" members who are happy to grab their expenses - duality!...I don't see you having a stab at them, but then again why should you. Furthermore where do you get your information that I, or in fact anyone else has voted a pay rise, I can't remeber voting for it and it doesn't appear to be recorded anywhere either, come to the next council meeting, or if you can be bothered...any council meeting.

Here's a bit more for your diary, following the unfounded critisism by the likes of you and some of your former hypocritical colleagues in the now farcical Torfaen Peoples Coalition - claiming that myself and Peter Cathcart had betrayed the electorate by voting to maintain sensible democratic stability at the commencement of the new council - and following the prolonged critisism in the press as a result , I am keen to see what the electorate think now of all the Councillors that they initially voted for as "Independents", who have now had the audacity to openly form a constitutional political group....will you and they also class this as betrayal, since its impossible to comprehend how they can be both Independent and a Group at the same time...with a Leader and Deputy Leader!

And reading the comments from a few sour grape comments on blogs like this - I am more convinced now than I was at the start, that I made the right decision, having heard the ludicrous proposals that have been presented by the "Opposition Group" in the last 12 months of council - and furthermore I believe that had the original Coalition been successful - Torfaen would have been wrecked and become a laughing stock - as with some of the antics by its members, theatrical buffoonery by one or two of the Tories and earthshattering dynamic input from the Liberals, one of which you rarely see.

Fortunately I had the common sense not to join the coalition since the infighting within the TPC group caused it to fall apart at the seams - and with the new Independend Group making grand statements like “we will be scrutinising the decisions within the Council and holding the administration to account”, I would have to point out that thus far they can’t even hold themselves together let alone claim that they could run a council - in fact its started already with one of its members already jumping ship and at this point I would like to congratulate Councillor Tom Huish for having the sense to resign from the group and returning to the ranks of the pure Independends.

It will be interesting now, to see that, in the event of a change of the Opposition Leader - if he or she takes up the very allowance that they professed to critisise in the first place - and whether all those wailing for half expenses and percentage cuts and pointing a fingers, sacrificially don't bother to claim their basic allowance as supreme example the rest of us...or are you gullible enough to think that they are "forced" to claim them...

To date, as a result of lack of cohesion, direction and poor leadership, not one sensible proposal was presented by the TPC, save for endless rhetorical questions and political diatribe in the council chamber much to the weary dismay of people in the public gallery, councillors & officers, are we now to endure yet another year of rantings by a newly formed "Independent Group" who will be about as politically "savage" as a butterfly.

After a farcial 12 months of achieving nothing and playing politics, it will be interesting to see if any sensible voter ( or you ! ) challenges them on their Independent status since they are now members of political Independent Group (Group?), ultimately its only a matter of time when the “new group” will fall apart when greed and ambition take root.

Perhaps... this new political Flagship has sprung a leak before its maiden voyage !...

And for the record, don't even begin to compare me or any local authority councillor with the expense portfolio of Paul Murphy, any MP or God forbid an A.M....!

OINK!OINK!OINK!OINK!

OINK!
OINK!!!
Your all the same charlatans scamsters and crooks whether you be Local,AM,MEP,and MP ALL in it TO SCREW MONEY OUT OF US MUGS TO FEATHER YOUR OWN NESTS AND WE ARE ALL GUILTY OF LETTING YOU LOT GET AWAY WITH IT!!!...

OINK!OINK!OINK!OINK!

OINK!
OINK!!!

I think the whole system stinks paul murphy should have got a boiler engineer to look at the thermostat. Most AM's are no better they abuse their positions aswell. Some who might have struggled to keep a roof over their head suddenly go into politics and land up with a number of properties. Also, some councillors earn a good living whilst doing very little for the people who voted them in aswell. The moral of the story is "become a politician".

Talk about being brain washed by the Labour Party .labour have whipped Independant Councillor cunnington in his place .Vote with us and you will have your rewards,vote against US and you get nothing and like P.M Paul Murphy the rewards can be great.ONIK!ONIK!ONIK

Richard_stevens.

Hi Richard,

Would you also be the same Richard Stevens of Thornhill, the deluded poor soul that also claimed that one of our esteemed colleagues Cllr Haynes didn't claim expenses or allowances... you want to change the source of your information my friend, as you are being given the wrong bullets to fire, because thus far, like before, you are in fact talking claptrap...

I have to say the support and heart fluttering loyalty shown to your choosen councillor ( haynes ) as portrayed in earlier blogs, is bordering on an extract from Mills & Boon !

As for "homepage" I can in fact see where you are going wrong...you are talking to the same people as Richard and therefore exuding the same nonsense, in fact you can come and tell me face to face if you wish and display your committment to your facts.

Salem...I have to point out that this is Torfaen, you are from Blackwood, so technically don't count - and judging by your slender grasp on the English language, is it possib that you dont read or write as well ?

Councillor Cunnington said
"Furthermore where do you get your information that I, or in fact anyone else has voted a pay rise, I can't remeber voting for it and it doesn't appear to be recorded anywhere either, come to the next council meeting, or if you can be bothered...any council meeting."


Is Councillor Alastair Cunnington so used to just voting slavishly with labour that he does not remember voting for a payrise at the last council meeting?

On the 31st of March 2009 the council voted by 23 to 16 to reject a conservative amendment to freeze councillors allowances because of the present economic crisis.

I was at the meeting and Councillor Cunnington voted against the ammendment (with all the labour led controlling group) and therefore for a payrise. See council minutes http://www.torfaen.g
ov.uk/CouncilAndDemo
cracy/CouncillorsDem
ocracyAndElections/C
ouncilMinutesAgendas
AndReports/CouncilMi
nutes/Council/31-03-
09dm.pdf Page 15 to see clearly in a recorded vote Cllr Cunnington's name is there as one of the 23 who voted against the ammendment. They then voted to accept the payrise.

Why is he so bitter against the Independents and the rest of the opposition? I guess it is to justify his original choice and excuse himself from continuing to prop up the labour regime, despite hinting that it was a temporary measure. He claims he is still independent yet he supports labour in every discussion and vote. He looks down on the opposition, just like his leader Bob Wellington.

richard_stevens wrote:
YOUR SO RIGHT SAFE, HE DID and not just ONE payrise but TWO since january this yr. id like a full list of the cllrs who voted it in and who didnt. anyone know where i can get that information?

See here, page 15, it was a recorded vote. We certainly need more of those.

http://www.torfaen.g
ov.uk/CouncilAndDemo
cracy/CouncillorsDem
ocracyAndElections/C
ouncilMinutesAgendas
AndReports/CouncilMi
nutes/Council/31-03-
09dm.pdf

Cunnington -Whats wrong with not being able to read or write.Most of the Labour Councillors in Torfaen can't read or write .Labour in Torfaen and Plaid and you, are like Laurel and Hardy -another fine mess your getting us into.

Cllr Alastair Cunnington wrote:
Richard_stevens. Hi Richard, Would you also be the same Richard Stevens of Thornhill, the deluded poor soul that also claimed that one of our esteemed colleagues Cllr Haynes didn't claim expenses or allowances... you want to change the source of your information my friend, as you are being given the wrong bullets to fire, because thus far, like before, you are in fact talking claptrap... I have to say the support and heart fluttering loyalty shown to your choosen councillor ( haynes ) as portrayed in earlier blogs, is bordering on an extract from Mills & Boon ! As for "homepage" I can in fact see where you are going wrong...you are talking to the same people as Richard and therefore exuding the same nonsense, in fact you can come and tell me face to face if you wish and display your committment to your facts. Salem...I have to point out that this is Torfaen, you are from Blackwood, so technically don't count - and judging by your slender grasp on the English language, is it possib that you dont read or write as well ?

Well Cunnington (i'm dropping your title because I have lost complete respect for you now), you have well and truly shown your true colours here.
Your last paragraph is disgusting! Someone that is suppose to set an example, chooses to belittle another human being in such a public way.
Words cannot express how angry I am right now.
I have printed this page and will be pursuing it.

You come on here slating the Labour MP and have turned this into a battle group to air your grievances, whilst trying to justify your continued behaviour.

So how much extra pay do you get for being offered a position to side with Labour? You deny £8,000 extra....so what is the truth?
Are you denying voting for a payrise in Jan & again in March?
Minutes of meetings tell the truth Cunnington. Sadly, it looks like you speak with fork tongue....just like your buddy Bob.

Exchange comments, information and opinion about Torfaen County Borough Council at

www.torfaen4us.co.uk

Exchange comments, information and opinion about Torfaen County Borough Council at

www.torfaen4us.co.uk

Maybe Torfaen M.P Paul Murphy and his Torfaen Labour Councillors and A.m Lynne Neagal ,Plaid and the three Independant Councillors who voted for a rise can ask for some quantitive easing so that they can carry on fleecing us tax payers while the rest of us suffer in this recession.

It would appear that Cllr. Cunnington is not exactly au fait to what happens at meetings he attends. May be it's a case of selective memory loss. As to Plaid, the three members concerned have stated that pay difference will be donated to Tenovus.http://www.s
outhwalesargus.co.uk
/search/4300652.Torf
aen_councillors_take
_2_45__pay_boost/
If you feel so strongly about this, perhaps you will follow Plaid's lead regarding the pay rise.Can I also suggest that you take the time to either proof read your correspondence or use a spell checker before casting aspersions on other people's educational abilities?

It would appear that Cllr. Cunnington is not exactly au fait to what happens at meetings he attends. May be it's a case of selective memory loss. As to Plaid, the three members concerned have stated that pay difference will be donated to Tenovus.http://www.s
outhwalesargus.co.uk
/search/4300652.Torf
aen_councillors_take
_2_45__pay_boost/
If you feel so strongly about this, perhaps you will follow Plaid's lead regarding the pay rise.Can I also suggest that you take the time to either proof read your correspondence or use a spell checker before casting aspersions on other people's educational abilities?

I'd guess that the person posting as Cllr Cunnington is either (a) an imposter, trolling, or (b) the real councillor, and just a bit of an idiot.

Either way, I live in Caerphilly, where the councillors had the moral fortitude to refuse all payrises this year. Shame Torfaen Councillors can't even do that....

And in Caerphilly Plaid proposed the pay freeze and all the other groups, including labour supported it.

Monmouthshire rejected it as well. But in Torfaen Bob Wellington said vote for the rise and all his paid hands; labour, plaid and the two “independents”; lo and behold, voted for the rise. That is what they are paid to do. It is not democracy.

With the published minutes as an Aide-mémoire does Cllr Cunnington now agree that he did vote for the pay rise?

Cllr Alastair Cunnington wrote:
Richard_stevens.

Hi Richard,

Would you also be the same Richard Stevens of Thornhill, the deluded poor soul that also claimed that one of our esteemed colleagues Cllr Haynes didn't claim expenses or allowances... you want to change the source of your information my friend, as you are being given the wrong bullets to fire, because thus far, like before, you are in fact talking claptrap...

I have to say the support and heart fluttering loyalty shown to your choosen councillor ( haynes ) as portrayed in earlier blogs, is bordering on an extract from Mills & Boon !

As for "homepage" I can in fact see where you are going wrong...you are talking to the same people as Richard and therefore exuding the same nonsense, in fact you can come and tell me face to face if you wish and display your committment to your facts.

Salem...I have to point out that this is Torfaen, you are from Blackwood, so technically don't count - and judging by your slender grasp on the English language, is it possib that you dont read or write as well ?

LOL..LOL..LOL!!!OINK
!OINK!OINK!OINK!
OINK!
OINK!!!

Sooo funny coming from the great Un-educated Sleaze Bags that become Councillors or Politicians...tooo Thick and Lazy to earn their living in the REAL WORLD by holding down a Job or running their own Business and take the easy option and Sponge off the rest of us MUGS...stop here as I've laughed sooo much I've got to go and dry me TROUSERS..LOL LOL LOL!!!
OINK!OINK!OINK!OINK!

OINK!
OINK!!!

Cllr Alastair Cunnington wrote:
Richard_stevens.

Hi Richard,

Would you also be the same Richard Stevens of Thornhill, the deluded poor soul that also claimed that one of our esteemed colleagues Cllr Haynes didn't claim expenses or allowances... you want to change the source of your information my friend, as you are being given the wrong bullets to fire, because thus far, like before, you are in fact talking claptrap...

I have to say the support and heart fluttering loyalty shown to your choosen councillor ( haynes ) as portrayed in earlier blogs, is bordering on an extract from Mills & Boon !

As for "homepage" I can in fact see where you are going wrong...you are talking to the same people as Richard and therefore exuding the same nonsense, in fact you can come and tell me face to face if you wish and display your committment to your facts.

Salem...I have to point out that this is Torfaen, you are from Blackwood, so technically don't count - and judging by your slender grasp on the English language, is it possib that you dont read or write as well ?

LOL..LOL..LOL!!!OINK
!OINK!OINK!OINK!
OINK!
OINK!!!

Sooo funny coming from the great Un-educated Sleaze Bags that become Councillors or Politicians...tooo Thick and Lazy to earn their living in the REAL WORLD by holding down a Job or running their own Business and take the easy option and Sponge off the rest of us MUGS...stop here as I've laughed sooo much I've got to go and dry me TROUSERS..LOL LOL LOL!!!
OINK!OINK!OINK!OINK!

OINK!
OINK!!!

homepage wrote:

Cllr Alastair Cunnington wrote:
Richard_stevens. Hi Richard, Would you also be the same Richard Stevens of Thornhill, the deluded poor soul that also claimed that one of our esteemed colleagues Cllr Haynes didn't claim expenses or allowances... you want to change the source of your information my friend, as you are being given the wrong bullets to fire, because thus far, like before, you are in fact talking claptrap... I have to say the support and heart fluttering loyalty shown to your choosen councillor ( haynes ) as portrayed in earlier blogs, is bordering on an extract from Mills & Boon ! As for "homepage" I can in fact see where you are going wrong...you are talking to the same people as Richard and therefore exuding the same nonsense, in fact you can come and tell me face to face if you wish and display your committment to your facts. Salem...I have to point out that this is Torfaen, you are from Blackwood, so technically don't count - and judging by your slender grasp on the English language, is it possib that you dont read or write as well ?

Well Cunnington (i'm dropping your title because I have lost complete respect for you now), you have well and truly shown your true colours here.
Your last paragraph is disgusting! Someone that is suppose to set an example, chooses to belittle another human being in such a public way.
Words cannot express how angry I am right now.
I have printed this page and will be pursuing it.

You come on here slating the Labour MP and have turned this into a battle group to air your grievances, whilst trying to justify your continued behaviour.

So how much extra pay do you get for being offered a position to side with Labour? You deny £8,000 extra....so what is the truth?
Are you denying voting for a payrise in Jan & again in March?
Minutes of meetings tell the truth Cunnington. Sadly, it looks like you speak with fork tongue....just like your buddy Bob.

Thanks homepage...But the Comments off Mr Cunnington dont bother me in the slightest its just the usual Ifantile Ramblings that you get off these Parasitic Jumped up Nobodies!!!
BTW..Carefull how you spell Cunnington..theres only one "T" LOL!!!w

Forget about Cunnington his own constituents will sort him out when the time comes.Its the other Labour greedy parasites like M.P Paul Murphy who claimed for a £6 vacuum bags who are taking us all for suckers.

Hi Frazer,

Remember when you put all the faith in your former contributors to "your" blog, marches, petitions and your bosom pal, who actually turned out to be a complete clot....come on, you have to agree....in respect of your facts, which have not yet come to fruition, since the a.g.m has yet to ratify, you may wish to wait bfore you make judgment...I haven't lt "you" down yet have I.

Salem....yeah!...

Javez....wait & see.

iantofullpelt...I know that Plaid did that... and I applaud them, remember that the next time you pass a charity box and remember this blog, for I am sure that it was cheerfully given and will be faithfully applied...also, alas I can't defend the grammar, as speed precluded me from spell checking...and being partially sighted, sometimes, "even I" hit the wrong key and if it causes you a problem, I'm sorry, but, since I was in work at the time and whilst dedicating time to making such comment... (and before anyone criticises me for pinching company time, I'm the MD...and incidentally I'm still working to make up the time that I lose whilst being at council)...I have to say that from some of the comments, I have viewed on this blog that I am convinced that words like impartiallity, fairness, common sense, hard work, efficiency, public service are alien to most, not all of the contributors...but there again in some cases words like, am, to, at, tom, ann, ball, a big ball, tom has a big ball...are also alien.

And as for Salem's comment on the "T", bang on ! ...but at least I'm useful!...which in comparison ( how many "r"'s "s"'s "p"'s Ianto ?)..which far out weighs your contribution, since I'm getting paid for it and your not...and at least I stand up to be counted whether you lot agree with it or not, which I accept... but remember this whilst you remain under the username of a nobody...that's what you'll always be...a nobody and if you feel comfortable with that...fine...either way, I'd still rather be me me.

As for Safe16...you are deluding your self too, the half dozen of sad contributors of your group, will be like spit in the rain and about as effective...remember all the millions who were going to march, the petitions, civil unrest, campaigners....wake up and do something useful.

Sorry just in case someone has such a sad life that they are checking the splling etc,
Frazer I missed an "e" in Let....oops and another in "before"....

and Salem it should have been " you are" not "your", if it's a problem get someone to explain it.

Thanks for your attention.

Finally, I can't help noticing, almost at once...that most of the mass of the same half-dozen contributors are not really labour supporters are you. You need to take time out and get a life.

alastair cunnington wrote:
Hi Frazer,

Remember when you put all the faith in your former contributors to "your" blog, marches, petitions and your bosom pal, who actually turned out to be a complete clot....come on, you have to agree....in respect of your facts, which have not yet come to fruition, since the a.g.m has yet to ratify, you may wish to wait bfore you make judgment...I haven't lt "you" down yet have I.

Salem....yeah!...

Javez....wait & see.

iantofullpelt...I know that Plaid did that... and I applaud them, remember that the next time you pass a charity box and remember this blog, for I am sure that it was cheerfully given and will be faithfully applied...also, alas I can't defend the grammar, as speed precluded me from spell checking...and being partially sighted, sometimes, "even I" hit the wrong key and if it causes you a problem, I'm sorry, but, since I was in work at the time and whilst dedicating time to making such comment... (and before anyone criticises me for pinching company time, I'm the MD...and incidentally I'm still working to make up the time that I lose whilst being at council)...I have to say that from some of the comments, I have viewed on this blog that I am convinced that words like impartiallity, fairness, common sense, hard work, efficiency, public service are alien to most, not all of the contributors...but there again in some cases words like, am, to, at, tom, ann, ball, a big ball, tom has a big ball...are also alien.

And as for Salem's comment on the "T", bang on ! ...but at least I'm useful!...which in comparison ( how many "r"'s "s"'s "p"'s Ianto ?)..which far out weighs your contribution, since I'm getting paid for it and your not...and at least I stand up to be counted whether you lot agree with it or not, which I accept... but remember this whilst you remain under the username of a nobody...that's what you'll always be...a nobody and if you feel comfortable with that...fine...either way, I'd still rather be me me.

As for Safe16...you are deluding your self too, the half dozen of sad contributors of your group, will be like spit in the rain and about as effective...remember all the millions who were going to march, the petitions, civil unrest, campaigners....wake up and do something useful.

?????? Can anybody understand or decipher what He's on about???
Think you have had too much of the wacky baccy or have you stopped taking your medication??

Alastair,
the AGM of Torfaen CBC will indeed be interesting, I shall wait and see, but I don't think I have got any facts wrong so far? (If I have I will admit it asap)

Has not the labourleadership announced the name of the new Mayor 14 days before the vote? (To those who are mystified by all this Alastair is refering to the blog on
www.torfaen4us.co.uk
)

My Dearest Frazer...be fair, you foe one, know that I am not a clot....and if you analyse the state of affairs thus far...I haven't been far out.

I'll embelish your pot with enough content in the coming future to keep you fed...also be careful whom you put your faith in...eggs look o.k. on the outside...but sometimes when you crack them the prove bad.

There may well be some some problems shortly with one or two of our new personnel and the word "ombudsman" has been rumoured ( alledgedly)...so I'm given to understand. I'll speak to you in-camera.

Salem...go and buy some crayons...this may be above you...a bit like a kerb really...

Remember giving Money and Power to Councillors and Politicians is like giving Whiskey and Car Keys to Teenage Boys

alastair cunnington wrote:
My Dearest Frazer...be fair, you foe one, know that I am not a clot....and if you analyse the state of affairs thus far...I haven't been far out.

I'll embelish your pot with enough content in the coming future to keep you fed...also be careful whom you put your faith in...eggs look o.k. on the outside...but sometimes when you crack them the prove bad.

There may well be some some problems shortly with one or two of our new personnel and the word "ombudsman" has been rumoured ( alledgedly)...so I'm given to understand. I'll speak to you in-camera.

Salem...go and buy some crayons...this may be above you...a bit like a kerb really...

You do a good impression of a RIVER...
Small at the Head and Big at the MOUTH!!!

homepage wrote:

Cllr Alastair Cunnington wrote: Richard_stevens. Hi Richard, Would you also be the same Richard Stevens of Thornhill, the deluded poor soul that also claimed that one of our esteemed colleagues Cllr Haynes didn't claim expenses or allowances... you want to change the source of your information my friend, as you are being given the wrong bullets to fire, because thus far, like before, you are in fact talking claptrap... I have to say the support and heart fluttering loyalty shown to your choosen councillor ( haynes ) as portrayed in earlier blogs, is bordering on an extract from Mills & Boon ! As for "homepage" I can in fact see where you are going wrong...you are talking to the same people as Richard and therefore exuding the same nonsense, in fact you can come and tell me face to face if you wish and display your committment to your facts. Salem...I have to point out that this is Torfaen, you are from Blackwood, so technically don't count - and judging by your slender grasp on the English language, is it possib that you dont read or write as well ?

Well Cunnington (i'm dropping your title because I have lost complete respect for you now), you have well and truly shown your true colours here. Your last paragraph is disgusting! Someone that is suppose to set an example, chooses to belittle another human being in such a public way. Words cannot express how angry I am right now. I have printed this page and will be pursuing it. You come on here slating the Labour MP and have turned this into a battle group to air your grievances, whilst trying to justify your continued behaviour. So how much extra pay do you get for being offered a position to side with Labour? You deny £8,000 extra....so what is the truth? Are you denying voting for a payrise in Jan & again in March? Minutes of meetings tell the truth Cunnington. Sadly, it looks like you speak with fork tongue....just like your buddy Bob.

no problem at all dear friend i have already reported him online to the ombudsman and sent an email to the monitoring officer of TCBC for his blatent disrepect of residents. I have included screen shots of this postings which i am sure will make interesting read.. CODE OF CONDUCT MR CUNNINGTON...

Three Plaid Cymru councillors, Jeff Rees (Fairwater), Maria Graham (Llantarnam) and Fiona Cross (Coed Eva) chose not to join the coalition and instead backed Labour.

They were joined by newly-elected independents Peter Cathcart (Pontnewydd) and Alastair Cunnington (Two Locks and Henllys), who is a former Labour party member.

My name is Boer Harms and my friends call my Wilco.. Right now I'm setting inside my windmill staring out of my windows staring at the ever green grass eating cows.. And feeling like I've been kicked by a couple of wooden shoe wearing Manchester football hooligans. Whats up your saying? All that money that could have gone to housing our hard working immigrants..

Btw I just saw your picture the ginger hair, sideburns and Village people goatee, and thought what a tool

FACT A) CUNNINGTON DID VOTE IN A PAYRISE
FACT B) HE DOES HAVE AN EXTRA PAID POSITION AS CHAIR
FACT C) HE DID VOTE IN THE SECOND PAYRISE


Like you said, the information is available in the big building in Pontypool, you know the place where you sold your soul to labour.

Three Plaid Cymru councillors, Jeff Rees (Fairwater), Maria Graham (Llantarnam) and Fiona Cross (Coed Eva) chose not to join the coalition and instead backed Labour.

They were joined by newly-elected independents Peter Cathcart (Pontnewydd) and Alastair Cunnington (Two Locks and Henllys), who is a former Labour party member.

My name is Boer Harms and my friends call my Wilco.. Right now I'm setting inside my windmill staring out of my windows staring at the ever green grass eating cows.. And feeling like I've been kicked by a couple of wooden shoe wearing Manchester football hooligans. Whats up your saying? All that money that could have gone to housing our hard working immigrants..

Btw I just saw your picture the ginger hair, sideburns and Village people goatee, and thought what a tool

Fact Cunninghams head is also on fire..

M.P Paul Murphy claims.
1/ £3,419 new boiler.
2/Furniture-includin
g £35 for a toilet lavatory roll holder..
3/£537 for an oven.
4/ £1,674 for a carpet.
5/ Samsung tele-£449 plus light bulbs at £1.98.
6/ £6 for a tin opener ,claims for food £200 per month and £300 per month.Not bad on a salary of £141.866per year.

People are losing their jobs and houses -£3 million or so unemployed by next year .The country up to its neck in debt and the pensioners afraid to put their gas and electric on , and What do the Labour council ,and labour plaid and Cunnington do in Torfaen turn of all the street lights to save money and then give themselves a pay rise above the rate of inflation .All of us will be paying for this wanton waste of taxpayers hard earned money for many years to come.Courtesy of Labour Plaid and cunnington and co.
But while the rest of us suffer in the worst recession ever .Under Torfaens Labour leader Bob the bank manager ,Labour Plaid and the two independants will say "what recession"

Like every politician in this Country, you have failed to answer my questions after stating my original figures were wrong.

So Cunnington,
how much extra pay do you get for being offered a position to side with Labour? You deny £8,000 extra....so what is the truth?

Are you denying voting for a payrise in Jan & again in March?
Minutes of meetings tell the truth Cunnington.

Your statements here are disgraceful.

You are an Independent that continues to vote with Labour to secure your extra paid position. Prove your Independence by abstaining at the next AGM. Prove you are totally independent and not in Labours pocket once and for all.
Somehow I think you will never do that, because your assumed power over your buddy Bob, would go. That just proves you are power driven, and money orientated.

Richard steven, you send what you like to whom you like, these are my personal comments against personal comments made and not the opinion of the council, I have the highest regard for all residents, its your comments I have no regard for, screen shot this.

Does anyone have the imagination to think that I voted the way I did because I believed that was the correct thing to do, that may be the type of thing you would do, I don't know. I believe in keeping stability and its proved to be right Your dream caolition has fallen apart at the seems...you you wanted them in charge of a council...wake up.

You and your colleagues make personal jibes and you are going to get some back....now that my opinion and not the councils.

Richard steven, you send what you like to whom you like, these are my personal comments against personal comments made and not the opinion of the council, I have the highest regard for all residents, its your comments I have no regard for, screen shot this.

Does anyone have the imagination to think that I voted the way I did because I believed that was the correct thing to do, that may be the type of thing you would do, I don't know. I believe in keeping stability and its proved to be right Your dream caolition has fallen apart at the seems...you you wanted them in charge of a council...wake up.

You and your colleagues make personal jibes and you are going to get some back....now that my opinion and not the councils.

Richard steven, you send what you like to whom you like, these are my personal comments against personal comments made and not the opinion of the council, I have the highest regard for all residents, its your comments I have no regard for, screen shot this.

Does anyone have the imagination to think that I voted the way I did because I believed that was the correct thing to do, that may be the type of thing you would do, I don't know. I believe in keeping stability and its proved to be right Your dream caolition has fallen apart at the seems...you you wanted them in charge of a council...wake up.

You and your colleagues make personal jibes and you are going to get some back....now that my opinion and not the councils.

Alistair, I was at the council meetings I know who voted what and I know you supported the increase in allowances. STOP trying to misguide the population of Torfaen, Stop insulting them and start to treat them with respect. Murphy and his friends of all parties have had their noses in thr trough for years, its time it stopped and they put people first. Murphy has failed the people of Torfaen and its time his reign ended. We need a new Torfaen where people matter, not how much can we screw out of the system. I will be sending Murphy a gift from the people of Pontypool, it will be a refelction of how they see him and this weak Labour council that you support. I will be asking for all member expenses to be published on the interent as matter of urgency, instead of waiting until July as in previous years.

The people have not forgotton what you and your plaid friends did and they wont forget. Your election is three years away, perhaps its time to start to find a new part time job.

I find the publication of an ethnic/islamic MP who calimed £100,000 for a home she never lived in, much more of concern, or is it the fact she is female and an muslim the reason media backed off reporting that gross abuse of expenses ? Gagged by the 'politically' correct !

I find the publication of an ethnic/islamic MP who calimed £100,000 for a home she never lived in, much more of concern, or is it the fact she is female and an muslim the reason media backed off reporting that gross abuse of expenses ? Gagged by the 'politically' correct !

I seem to remember Councillor Cunnington being voted in as an Independant and immediately jumping ship like most rats as soon as he was offered a job by the Labour party that had a remuneration of £20,000.
Say no more!!!

And yet again, Cunnington has avoided my questions for the 2nd time.

I would'nt say any more Cunnington otherwise you will have the Labour wipe after you.Notice no labour comments coming out in defence of their beleagued and bruised M.P. I know- they have all gone on an all payed for Tax payers shopping trip .All of the 16 Labour Councillors should show their expences now 2008/9 and I bet they are all above £20k.

Cunnington. Firstly, your use of your title means that you are acting in the capacity of a Councillor and your comments represent your Council.
I have just googled and found a website that says..

you must comply with this Code whenever you:

(b) act, claim to act or give the impression you are acting as a representative of the Council,

It goes on to say...

3. (1) You must treat others with respect.

(a) do anything which may cause the Council to breach any of the equality enactments (as defined in section 33 of the Equality Act 2006 );

(b) bully any person;

(c) intimidate or attempt to intimidate any person


(d) do anything which compromises or is likely to compromise the impartiality of those who work for, or on behalf of, the Council.

5. You must not conduct yourself in a manner which could reasonably be regarded as bringing your office or authority into disrepute.


It looks like you have come close, or even broken half a dozen of those rules.
For the record, these are the English code. I have yet to find the Welsh version but will continue looking.

alastair cunnington wrote:
Richard steven, you send what you like to whom you like, these are my personal comments against personal comments made and not the opinion of the council, I have the highest regard for all residents, its your comments I have no regard for, screen shot this. Does anyone have the imagination to think that I voted the way I did because I believed that was the correct thing to do, that may be the type of thing you would do, I don't know. I believe in keeping stability and its proved to be right Your dream caolition has fallen apart at the seems...you you wanted them in charge of a council...wake up. You and your colleagues make personal jibes and you are going to get some back....now that my opinion and not the councils.

Your Councillor Code of Conduct states you are a representative at all times. Any comments you make whilst using your CLLR title indicates you are speaking as a Councillor. You used your title when making those comments. Therefore you represent TCBC.
You have made a grave mistake Mr Cunnington.Maybe the HOT WATER you will find yourself will teach you to show alittle more respect and act correctly.

You have spoken inaapropriatly and showing TCBC in a bad light. SHAME ON YOU.

cunnington your lot wont get in again come the general election you are all money grabbers who do nothing for this country .i,d rather vote bnp than ever vote labour ,margaret thatcher was bad but by god people like you and your labour party have topped her .

its immoral,dragging politics at all levels in the gutter.
from top too bottom they are all at it.even the good people involved in politics are keeping quiet and letting the corrupt get away with milking the system.all parties shame on you all.
cllr alistar cunningham what palnet u from?u-anus.just cant believe the gaul of you.try reading your comments ,you just shot yourself in the foot and burried your political career.what a self righteous ignoranus.hope u get all thats coming too you,u deserve it big shot

Well done Murf, I reckon you fit in well on Blaenau Bent council when you loose your seat

Well done Murf, I reckon you fit in well on Blaenau Bent council when you loose your seat

Now that M.P. Paul Murphys expenses
have been published.
Lets bring all Torfaen Councillors and A.M. and not forgetting community councillors expenses in the public spot light.

I agree. Let us see what they are all doing!

Cunnington has gone quiet. Is that because he doesn't want to answer my questions (posed 2 times now)? or has he been told to stop posting by him buddy Bob? Or does he now realise his error in Conduct and is now in fear of losing his £21,000?

If you read this cunningham thread(copy below)do I sense bribery and corruption going between him and Frazer..mm??
QUOTE...

alastair cunnington wrote:
My Dearest Frazer...be fair, you foe one, know that I am not a clot....and if you analyse the state of affairs thus far...I haven't been far out.

I'll "embelish" your "pot" with enough content in the coming future to keep you "fed"...also be careful whom you put your faith in...eggs look o.k. on the outside...but sometimes when you crack them the prove bad.

There may well be some some problems shortly with one or two of our new personnel and the word "ombudsman" has been rumoured ( alledgedly)...so I'm given to understand. I'll speak to you in-camera.

Salem...go and buy some crayons...this may be above you...a bit like a kerb really..

Lets get shot of all these Corrupt Sponging Wasters and find Honest Honerable People to represent us who will work for us putting the interests of thi Country and its People First!!!

Cllr Alastair Cunnington wrote:
Before we start...I'm a councillor so I'm not even going down the route of expenses!... well almost....anyway.... In terms of common sense I do wonder how people governing the country get where they are and the intelligence of the people surrounding them. I mean, I had exactly the same problem wityh my boiler ( so did the rest of my street )...My boiler was pumping out boiling water too... ( the clue is in the word boiler...) which was great, since it meant I had hot water...but very hot, however, to solve the problem I simply added what we common people call "cold water" and hey presto!...it solved the problem, in fact now the temperature of the water is just right, in fact, infinitly variable, just by adding the "cold water"! Now, from the thousands of highly paid hangers-on that work for and around Mr Murphy and his colleagues...paid for by us....surely we must have some aide d'camp in the government available, for a fee I accept, to instruct the minister on how to turn on a tap ( albeit the complexity of a mixer tap)...If not, then perhaps can I suggest an all expenses paid fact finding mission to say, Monte Carlo or Nashville be arranged as soon as possible (not exceeding say £20,000) to see how they make their water cooler. Ultimately it will be to the benefit of the taxpayers since it will save hundreds of pounds on Mr Murphys gas bills, thereby relieving the tax burden on the public purse. Can we please have someone on standby to show him how to turn the ignition key of his car on, to save the cost of a chauffeur....

Here Here!

Cllr Alastair Cunnington wrote:
Before we start...I'm a councillor so I'm not even going down the route of expenses!... well almost....anyway.... In terms of common sense I do wonder how people governing the country get where they are and the intelligence of the people surrounding them. I mean, I had exactly the same problem wityh my boiler ( so did the rest of my street )...My boiler was pumping out boiling water too... ( the clue is in the word boiler...) which was great, since it meant I had hot water...but very hot, however, to solve the problem I simply added what we common people call "cold water" and hey presto!...it solved the problem, in fact now the temperature of the water is just right, in fact, infinitly variable, just by adding the "cold water"! Now, from the thousands of highly paid hangers-on that work for and around Mr Murphy and his colleagues...paid for by us....surely we must have some aide d'camp in the government available, for a fee I accept, to instruct the minister on how to turn on a tap ( albeit the complexity of a mixer tap)...If not, then perhaps can I suggest an all expenses paid fact finding mission to say, Monte Carlo or Nashville be arranged as soon as possible (not exceeding say £20,000) to see how they make their water cooler. Ultimately it will be to the benefit of the taxpayers since it will save hundreds of pounds on Mr Murphys gas bills, thereby relieving the tax burden on the public purse. Can we please have someone on standby to show him how to turn the ignition key of his car on, to save the cost of a chauffeur....

Here Here!

Homepage - I believe Cunningham has gone quiet after giving the people here who he is supposed to serve a load of abuse..

No doubt he's been berated by the other Councilors for further blackening Labours name

Funny how he was a Labour councilor never got in, went Independent got in slunk back to labour and voted himself a few pay rises..

If he's serving the people why does he need these pay rises its about the good of the community not personal gain..

I have saved this paged and copied it to a word pad.. If anybody would be good enough to direct me where to make a complaint about Cunningham I will be reporting him post haste

This is suppossed to be a blog about the waste of taxpayers money by the local MP not a forum for Mr Cunnington to be rude to people, as a councillor he is meant to be above that. Mr Murphy should have bought his new boiler out of his £100,000pa (plus) pay packet like the rest of us have to and even his £6 can opener. (paid for by the taxpayer) He has lost the respect of people in Torfaen. As for Mr Cunnington, he claims he didn't vote for a pay rise? There will of course be a record of the votes at that meeting so he can prove his position can't he. He also claimed another councillor (Haynes?) claims expenses, there will also be a record of that. I respectfully ask that Mr Cunnington publishes these details on this blog site. I'm sure he is not a liar and would wish to re-assure his constituents and avoid further cost to the taxpayer of a formal complaint being lodged.

A further thought about Mr Murphy. Why on earth are taxpayers paying for their food bills? They get wages don't they? It really has become disgusting.

Jasonp...is quite right, wrong choice of words it should not have been expenses and should have have been "allowances" which everyone gets, but I was referring to and earlier series of blogs whereby it was suggested by some of our contributors that I was claiming expenses which is incorrect, I get the same allowance as everybody else. I also get a special responsibility allowance.

Several contributors have published figures and information which is wholly incorrect, for instance that I get an additional expense of £8000...claptrap!

I challenge any of the people making these claims to back it up with evidence and I don't mean by simply saying that the information is available at town hall as a public record...because its not...additionally if you can prove that I get £8000, I'll split the difference from what I actually get with you...how's that for a deal...it shouldn't be difficult if you are right, since its a simple matter of audit.

Also lets put the other nonsense to bed about votes, pay rises etc....also to the same people (inc my old mate Fraser)...you show me evidence where I have actually taken a pay increase and I'll drop it instantly.

The votes in question were to accept in principle the All Wales Renumeration Panels Guideline, which is for every council in Wales...voted "for" so not to tie the hands of any councillor who may wish to claim it if their circumstances in life warranted it however, its up to the individual to claim it...now, for the mouth out there who claims he or she knows better...display to everyone your facts...£1 says you can't...let me explain...voting for something which effects others, doesn't necessarily mean you will automatically embrace it yourself, I wouldn;t want to stop someone else benefiting from it, so I haven't voted a pay rise for "me" ( if you know better show me)

As an electorate, I'd be more interested (for example) if there were any councilors giving financial grants to organisations that they or their families belonged to, without declaration at source and at the earliest opportune moment, now that would most probably be illegal...this is only an example that has been rumoured and if it was the case...a declaration six or seven months down the line wouldn't be an adequate defence, I'm not saying that is the case, but if its true then the word "case" may take on a whole new meaning, so if anyone wants to take a snapshot for the monitoring officer to investigate, now's your chance.

Go and check that one out, before you have a go at people like me who attend meetings and do the job I'm paid for. I don't intend to defend any renumeration that I get now or at any time in the future, you seem to forget, I was a councillor for five years...for no renumeration...so I've seen it and done it before !

In terms of being rude...presumably you feel that its ok to make false accusations and be rude to me...well if you think that myself or anyone with a bit of backbone is going to let a few people get away with it without giving a bit back, then you are deluded.

Now...that my last words.

When people are struggling to live month to month and jobs being lost i think these M.Ps need to act like normal people and think before the spend our hard earned money!!

My thanks to councillor cunnington for his (quick) response to my earlier comments. Well then if anyone does have information to back up the various accusations against him now is your chance to support them. (sort of put up or shut up kind of thing) Remember this blog was originally about the use of taxpayers money by the local MP, surely that is what we should be talking about? Mr Murphy may have acted 'within the rules' but to people losing their jobs and homes 'the rules' are morally corrupt. Torfaen has always voted labour because its always voted labour, maybe its time to vote for someone else? Unfortunately many labour supporters I know are thinking of voting BNP. I will vote for anyone who thinks that MP's get paid enough and expenses should be scrapped, its a temporary job remember, they don't need a second home in London paid for by us, a taxpayer funded block of flats would do the job, they can furnish it from their wages and give it up when they lose their seat - simple. Thanks again to cllr cunnington for his response, remember sticks and stones etc, a councillor is supposed to be a pillar of the community, if people are rude (in your view) then don't rise to the bait. Like he said, he gets paid (to take the flak) we don't.

How did Cunnington and the Labour Plaid get the responsibilty allowence in the first place .Did they attend an interview for their position and with whome.I know -must have been Bob Wellington.I bet within Torfaen council -Labour head office it is like the job center.Tell us Cunnington how did you get your position who gave you the extra responsibility allowence .??

Message for 'safe 16' pontypool. Don't get distracted. This is supposed to be about Mr Murphy and his use of expenses. Its important, when did you last spend £35 on a loo roll holder? Well Mr Murphy just got one USING YOUR MONEY! Don't worry about cllr Cunnington or the labour/plaid union. As my grandad used to say - change what you can, leave what you can't, have enough sense to know the difference. You WILL have your chance to show exactly what you think of plaid/labour at the next election. In the meantime just remember the next time you don't have enough money for a night out or to pay a bill, Mr Murphy keeps his loo roll on a holder that we paid for. You could say he was having a dump on us!

PAYRISE - this is what Cunnington voted for.....

2.3 and will come into force in April 2009

AGREED (1) approves the amended Scheme of Members’ Remuneration

(2) accepts the upratings set out in the Executive Summary of
the Panel’s Supplemental Report.

That tells you that Council approved the Remuneration panel report AND agreed to the uplift in pay, from April 09, as stated in the report.

Cunnington voted against an ammendment to To accept the upratings’ with the words ‘To
reject the 2009/10 upratings’”.

He then went on to vote for the uplift (payrise).

The baseline budget, from April 2009, would then include the monies to cover this extra pay(Allowance).
Any member not wanting to accept it, has to specifically write in. It is not a case of "claiming it".

And back to topic......I agree jasonp. Mr Murphy will have a shock next year. His time is up in Torfaen.

Thanks 'homepage', panteg. Few more right thinking people like yourself on board and I might even stand against him myself. I'm sick of party politics, believe me if you speak out they are quite happy to crack down on you. I doesn't matter if I didn't win as long as it reduces his share of the vote further. Party politics seems to have forgotten what its all about. Forget the system, if the system is wrong don't play along, change it! THE MOST IMPORTANT thing about politics is the PEOPLE, forget that and all you have is a dictatorship. ps actually if you stand against him I'll help your campaign it doesn't matter as long as someone stands against him!

It doesn't matter if Mr Murphy acted within the rules. It is still just wrong. This country is falling apart at the seams, people are losing their homes, businesses are going under but still Nero fiddles (excuse the pun) while Rome burns. Here are my rules for politicians - 1.basic pay increased to £100 grand a year and fixed for the full term of government (ie 5yrs) 2.future pay awards linked to public sector but capped at maximum of 4.5% (most they would get every 5yrs)3.NO 2nd homes funded by taxpayer (its a temporary job)instead taxpayer funded rented accomodation (capped)near Westminster, given up if MP loses seat (a 1 or 2 bed flat is more than enough)4.Expenses only given for 'official duties ie office rent, staff, essential equipment like computers etc (they can afford to furnish their own homes)5.No employing family members on taxpayers money 6.Travel expenses for official duties only, travel to/from work funded in full if public transport used but halved if driving (receipts must be provided)7.No more househole bills paid except telephone/internet for official duties (they can buy their own curtains)- similar rules for the assembly and down the line to local council. Hey its not perfect but the idea is there and its on the right lines. This should attract the right people to politics and cut down on much of the sleaze we hear so much about. I'm open to other ideas but hope some of you will agree that this is the right start. Mr Murphy please take note, follow this idea and you might get back some of the respect you have just lost.

ps 8. No 2nd jobs if in government (including directorships etc) other MP's can have a 2nd job if they feel hard up but in their holidays and no sitting on committees etc related to that job/industry (teaching is a full time job but plenty of teachers top up their salary marking SATS papers IN THEIR HOLIDAYS)Being an MP should be a full time job, when not in Westminster they should be in their constituency working for and with us. nuff said.

And this is the last word... since I have just discovered the 5.58pm "Newbridge" bulletin...I have to say this is just the type of drivvel that prompts rude comment!

Your facts, where do you get them...

"Homepage - I believe Cunningham has gone quiet after giving the people here who he is supposed to serve a load of abuse..

No doubt he's been berated by the other Councilors for further blackening Labours name

Funny how he was a Labour councilor never got in, went Independent got in slunk back to labour and voted himself a few pay rises..

If he's serving the people why does he need these pay rises its about the good of the community not personal gain..

I have saved this paged and copied it to a word pad.. If anybody would be good enough to direct me where to make a complaint about Cunningham I will be reporting him post haste....

Firstly my name is Cunnington, and I'm not giving the people I serve a load of abuse, I'm giving people writing incorrect vitriolic statements abuse...secondly when I was a councillor from 1990 -1995, I had a problem with one or two of the then leadership of the former TBC (not the current TCBC) whom I fell out "big time" with. I did not fall out with the principles of the Labour movement, I would still support Labour at government level. I also believe that the current regime we have in Torfaen is working and furthermore so there's no doubt, I happen to think that the leader is doing a good job.

Thirdly and this may come as a shock...I was a councillor and guess what...I was a Labour councillor !!!

Fouth point, I may have voted on block issues of expenses, which was part of a masive all Wales document but I have never voted "me" anything, neither have I received any rises. I don't claim daily milage, telephone etc and I certainly don't get anything more than the others get...so when you make incorrect statements, be prepared for ridicule!

Its funny how you and all the others have not seen fit challenge all the Independents who have formed a Political Group, or all those who can't be bothered to turn up for the committee meetings that they are getting paid for...talk about duality!

You feel free to report what you want to whom you want, I have the confidence of being right in this case!

Safe16, heres a lesson, this is politics and you do me a disservice, I wasn't offered a position...I negotiated for it, since what's the point of being in a position where your vote is ineffective...Furthe
rmore there is no question on my ability in respect of business, I run four separate companies, so a committee is a piece of cake... sometimes you need pople with experience, if you can't accept that, well thats entirely your problem.

Finally,(finally) "jasonp" talks sense and I agree with a lot of his comments.

Bye (...and I really mean it this time!)

Just to Clarify things Cllr Cunnington is Chair of Members' Services Working Party, which meets about 4 times a year and the position attracts an extra allowance of £5534 in addition to the basic alowance of £13030.

This is Labour sleaze at the heart of Labour Torfaen Council. Cunnington ,Labour had no overall majority back at the beginning of May 2008, who did you negotiate with after being elected by your community as an independant ??and for plaid who did exactly the same?? labour had candidates standing against them in all of their communities .I wounder what they will put on their next council manifestos to their constituents ."The 2012 Torfaen council elections in Cunnington and Plaid wards ,will read something like this - Vote Labour ,Vote Labour independant ,Vote Labour Plaid ,and vote the same .
Thats what people will be voting for- utter confusion .

Cunningham your posts are as crass as you could find on the Internet. You hold nonsense
discussions whose subjects are of a frivolous, asinine nature. Torfaen Labour councilor is obviously a degenerate retreat for oddballs to assemble judging by yours and Murphy conduct..

Why do you keep saying this is your last word and keep replying and acting like a pathetic loser? I read the first few paragraph's which where the same rants and insults

Which I will also be bringing to the attention of the relevant bodys

Frazerj wrote:
Just to Clarify things Cllr Cunnington is Chair of Members' Services Working Party, which meets about 4 times a year and the position attracts an extra allowance of £5534 in addition to the basic alowance of £13030.

Thank you Frazer. That is the answer I required from Cunnington. Now I know why. He is getting paid £1,383.00 per meeting that he chairs.

For those who, like me, feel outraged at Cllr Cunningtons posts, please contact the Monitoring Officer on 01495 762200 or go direct to http://www.ombudsman
-wales.org.uk/

already done

(For those of you out there wondering about some of the apparently cryptic of Cllr Alastair Cunningtons remarks to me I run a website I have called Torfaen Democratic Forum at
www.torfaen4us.co.uk and I have communicated with Alastair concerning content of that website.)

Alastsair

When you said you had not voted for a pay rise I had to reply, I was there and you did.

Referring to some of your other comments above to me, and guessing who you refer to as my “bosom pal” (I have spoken to him on maybe four occasions) I reply as follows.

I gave webspace on www.torfaen4us.co.uk to the Campaign for Democracy and I have offered you, Plaid and Peter Cathcart and even the labour group, space on the website. You and Peter took it up initially but Plaid chose not to.

I agree with Fred Wildgust on the basic principle of proportionality on the cabinet, as operated in Gwynedd, Merthyr and Powys, this is what is known as “the fourth option”. However I certainly do not agree with the details of his proposal and absolutely certainly not his methods, which sometimes involve insulting people and then alienating people. He is certainly not a candidate for the diplomatic corps. However I personally support his ideals, and in the interests of free speech I gave him webspace, and will continue to do so (he has not contributed since the launch of the petition but he has a right to be heard).

I have met each of you from “The Famous Five”, and I have spoken to you, Peter Cathcart and the leader of the Plaid Group since you supported the Labour regime. I was disappointed when it happened but after speaking with you three I understood your reasons. All 5 of you are pleasant and seem genuine and well meaning.

So contrary to what you say I did not put my faith in Fred Wildgust, I put my faith in the five of you, with your supporting the labour regime for a while to ensure stability, but your implied or explicit promises of change in the not too distant future. However I have seen none of this from any of you, yet. The five of you vote with labour on critical issues, clearly under the labour whip. To the untrained eye you are indistinguishable from labour. Plaid ask questions, very non controversial, but their supplementary questions, which are possibly the only opportunity to really make a point, are given to the officers beforehand, so that the executive member has a pre-prepared written reply which she just reads out. They may be pushing the welsh language a bit but they were elected on an anti labour or anti party politics vote, not because the people of Cwmbran want a lot more welsh roadsigns.

Plaid have pledged their recent pay rise to charity. Why? Obviously they feel it wrong to take it at this time. Why then did they not vote against the pay rise? Because they need to support the labour regime, because Bob wanted them to vote that way, because, one might think, they have no other jobs and there fore if they vote against the labour leadership they may loose their extra allowance. How can I interpret their actions any other way? Peter Cathcart has, I believe, given up his other job; can he afford to annoy the labour leadership? You can say that you are an exception, as you have another income, but if you don’t see that this is the way the leadership has so much power over your group you are being really naïve.

It is all too easy to criticise one or two opposition councillors, and you relish in doing that, for little reason; their faults are obvious to all. Far more important, to the people of Torfaen, and in both the short and the long term, is that there are faults in the current administration. Some of these faults are inherent in the way it is set up, some in the way it is being run at present. You, and councillor Cathcart despite claiming independence, are incredibly silent about that. So are all three Plaid Members.

You all said that you are supporting the regime to ensure essential services etc, but since getting your extra allowances you five no longer say what you think of the current system and current leadership, What is your opinion of the fourth option, are you five working together to bring this in? You are in a unique position to facilitate this, when might we see the first sign of this happening?

I look forward to you, Peter, Jeff, Miriam and Fiona not letting me down at the AGM. Don’t worry; I am not holding my breath.

Kind regards

PS Apologies to those interested in Paul Murphy’s boiler.

How I read into this is that there is so much anger over Labour .It was once said "that if you put a sheep up as a Labour candidate people would vote Labour".What as changed is labour- don't care about what people think any more its all about money.This has been shown in this latest issue with M.P Paul Murphy claiming for ridiculus items as a can opener for £6 at Tax payers expence.This is greed and what you can get away with by our elected politicians which extends right down to councillors ,community councillors ,A.M's. at the Welsh Assembly and Government .What Labour Plaid ,and the two independants have done in Torfaen is that they want some extra cash .Be at our Side Labour says ,and be like us -fleece the tax payer for what you can get out of them and within the stubid rules and get what you can and
forget the public .

Safe 16 pontypool, you have hit the nail on the head. In areas like this people vote labour because people vote labour, their dad did, their granny did and so they will. Don't fall for the rubbish about labour being the party of the workers. What labour may have been in the past isnt what they are now as the bank bailouts clearly show. I don't mind supporting the banks as such, I do mind our taxes being used to bail out fred the shreds pension pot. People are quick enough to have a go at thatcher, fair enough but her government gave us the right to buy scheme, that was good wasnt it? Now how about what labour have done, whats going on with immigration? What about the gurkhas? What about the iraq war? Is our country better under labour, have they helped the workers or are businesses going bust? Is mandleson any better than thatcher, what about jacqui smith or hazel blears? When it comes to voting don't vote for the colour of the flag, vote for the policies of the party and the integrity of the candidate. If the tories had policies that worked I'd vote for them, same for the Lib dems, you can change your vote you know. As for integrity of candidates, I have no respect for a chap who gets in excess of £100,000 pa but uses your taxes to buy a £6 tin opener! Good for you safe 16, its good to know that people in this area are waking up to whats going on. Plaid PROMISED change but the local leadership changed, the current lot were not even members when that promise was made, they got in on the hard work of others and sold out to labour without a care of what local people thought. Plaid are now ruined in Torfaen and wont get in next time. It will take longer to get labour out but not too long. I'm voting independant, not an independant that sides with labour but one that stands for local people. Do what you think is right but at the next local elections just remind yourself of all this sleaze and betrayal. Good luck.

Jason spot on.. No doubt we will get Thatcher closed the mines argument.. It comes to something when lifelong Labour supporters are considering voting BNP as there so fed up with Labour..

What angers me beyond measure is the expense of the stuff Murphy claimed for.. Recession higher tax but Murphy claims for a £30 toilet holder and £700 telly among voting himself payrises..

Newbridge. Cheers for the comment. The biggest mistake thatcher made was not create other jobs at the same time she closed the pits, our economy and our people suffered greatly. Her government did do some good things and some bad but people around here do seem stuck in a mindset. YOU CAN VOTE FOR THE TORIES folks, you wont burn in hell for it. You van also vote for the Lib Dems. My point is you don't have to support the same team just because you always have, this isnt football! Mr Murphy no doubt alludes to being a good socialist on his £100,000pa (plus) wages so why does he need us to buy his food or household items? Has he not heard of leading by example? He may have acted within the rules but that doesn't make it right and it doesn't mean he has to play along. He spent £6 on a tin opener paid for by us! Wake up people, he can afford his own tin opener, how does a loo roll holder (£35 of your tax) help him do his job better? He didn't need to do that did he. So former labour supporters are now thinking of voting BNP, hang on, surely the Tories offer a less extreme alternative? Makes you wonder doesn't it. Labour or BNP, hmmm has anyone heard of national socialism for the workers? Tory/Labour/Lib Dem/Plaid, wrong is wrong whichever party is doing it and whatever the rules say.

History repeating itself???? Following is Cromwell's speech to corrupt MPs on Dissolution of the Long Parliament in 1653.....

"It is high time for me to put an end to your sitting in this place, which you have dishonored by your contempt of all virtue, and defiled by your practice of every vice; ye are a factious crew, and enemies to all good government; ye are a pack of mercenary wretches...

Is there a single virtue now remaining amongst you? Is there one vice you do not possess? ... gold is your God; which of you have not barter'd your conscience for bribes? Is there a man amongst you that has the least care for the good of the Commonwealth?

Ye sordid prostitutes have you not defil'd this sacred place...by your immoral principles and wicked practices? Ye are grown intolerably odious to the whole nation; you were deputed here by the people to get grievances redress'd, are yourselves gone! So! Take away that shining bauble there, and lock up the doors.

In the name of God, go!"

Whats far more reprehensible and unforgiveable is the way that this Sleazy Corrupt Liebour Goverment with its Marxist social engineering program has victimised the indigenous population of this country, destroyed its traditions and attempted to obliterate its history. The country we knew and loved and which our Fore Fathers fought for, has disappeared and has been replaced with a multicultural,politi
cally correct menagerie. The expenses scandal is merely the straw that is going to break this despicable Government's back

Well Salem, Blackwood I would agree that this is arguably the worst government this country has ever had. Multiculturalism isn't a bad thing, cant blame the English for wanting to live in Wales, its a nice place. You are right in many respects though. I'm upset that illegal immigrants are let into this country and not kicked out while Gurkha's who fought for us are treated so badly. I don't believe we should have women only candidate lists when what we actually need is the best candidate for the job irrespective of sex. A persons religion is entirely up to them but I don't believe any religion should get special treatment in a secular society. The expenses thing is important though, its your money. If it was used for an essential item that helps our MP do his job fair enough but on his salary he can afford to pay for his own food and household items. We hear the usual mantra of 'its within the rules' but I'd argue that it breaks all the rules of moral decency. If this MP took the time to visit some of the poorer households in Torfaen and saw how people have to save money buying cheap brand foods for their kids in order to put money in the gas/electric meter he might have a pang of conscience but I think they are all so wrapped up in their own self importance that he wouldn't change. He remains in office because the people of Torfaen keep voting for him. If you really want change then you have to convince them to vote for someone else. When people start doing things like that this country might get back to common sense values and all cultures that live here can do so in peace and harmony. We don't need to vote for the BNP, from one extreme to another. A good start would be to stop MP's using our taxes in this way, there is a recession on, people are hurting, using taxpayers money to buy household items is just plain wrong. ps loved the historical reference by the way.

THe corruption & greed is so deeply ingrained that people like Cllr Alastair Cunnington do not even see that it is wrong.

We need major changes to out political system from top to bottom.

We currently have an unaccountable system which is corrupty and rife with fraud & greed.

Just work out how much this army of rip of merchants is costing.

We have euro MP's, Westminster MP's, Assembly Members and armies of local councillors.

An MP alone costs us about £1 Million. A typical contituancy is about 70,000 add on all the rest of these spongers and its costing us very serious money.

Even at local council level a councillor costs us in the region of £15K

We need a much small and better structured system.

I would reduce Westminster to about 120 MP's. They would responsible for UK wide strategy on things like Defence, Education,NHS, Law etc.

Then we could hve about 10 Regional concils acros the UK. They would be responsible for managing the major services such as Hospitals, Police, Ambulance service, Firebrigade, Social Services etc.

The local council would be reduced in numbers as well as a much reduced number of local councillors.

The responsibility of the local councils would be to deliver this services at a local level. So they would staff the functions and be responsible for the day to day running but things such as managing the buildings, finance, HR etc would be at the regional level

Jasonp wrote:
Well Salem, Blackwood I would agree that this is arguably the worst government this country has ever had. Multiculturalism isn't a bad thing, cant blame the English for wanting to live in Wales, its a nice place. You are right in many respects though. I'm upset that illegal immigrants are let into this country and not kicked out while Gurkha's who fought for us are treated so badly. I don't believe we should have women only candidate lists when what we actually need is the best candidate for the job irrespective of sex. A persons religion is entirely up to them but I don't believe any religion should get special treatment in a secular society. The expenses thing is important though, its your money. If it was used for an essential item that helps our MP do his job fair enough but on his salary he can afford to pay for his own food and household items. We hear the usual mantra of 'its within the rules' but I'd argue that it breaks all the rules of moral decency. If this MP took the time to visit some of the poorer households in Torfaen and saw how people have to save money buying cheap brand foods for their kids in order to put money in the gas/electric meter he might have a pang of conscience but I think they are all so wrapped up in their own self importance that he wouldn't change. He remains in office because the people of Torfaen keep voting for him. If you really want change then you have to convince them to vote for someone else. When people start doing things like that this country might get back to common sense values and all cultures that live here can do so in peace and harmony. We don't need to vote for the BNP, from one extreme to another. A good start would be to stop MP's using our taxes in this way, there is a recession on, people are hurting, using taxpayers money to buy household items is just plain wrong. ps loved the historical reference by the way.

Good points Jasonp but I'll agree to disagree with your point on Multiculuralism..

The problem, as I see it, is that far too many of those who sit in the "House of Spivs" have never experienced the reality of the workplace. For most it was from University to local and national politics and then elected to Westminster

We should be entitled to expect - demand - integrity from those elected to represent us and where that integrity is damaged or destroyed, so is the trust that binds the electrorate to Parliament. Without trust, what use are MPs???

The advent of the Professional Politician is to be deplored and must be eradicated.Do we really want a salaried cadre of Professional Politicians with little understanding of the outside world??? For me absolutely not. A little knowledge is always a dangerous thing and this Parliament demonstrates precious little understanding of the outside world. Hence the torrent of badly conceived and drafted legislation churned out since 1997.

A basic tenet of Democracy is that anyone of a Minimum Age able to attract sufficient Voter support should be able to stand for Parliament. Perhaps we have reached a point where that Tenet should be Re-addressed and apply a test to anyone wishing to stand. Along the lines of whether they have sufficient Life Knowledge and Experience to know and understand the difference between Good and Bad Law!!

Corruption & greed is so deeply ingrained in politics both local and national it now seems part of the job. To hear a politician justify the expenses because they work so hard and if they were working in another career their wages would be much higher. Well no one is twisting their arms. On a local level I would like to know who paid for the large concrete planters on our council leaders drive. They look more like street furniture than somthing you can pick up in a garden centre.

I posted this one on the identical themed board, but this one is slightly more heated.

I believe there should be a second home allownace for those who need to stay away from their real home. However, this should be in the form of a fully state funded format where the house is owned by the state whereby no profits can go towards the MP. At the end of your term in office an MP simply moves out after tidying the house just like a tennant and he/she pays for any damages etc. If a resonable repair is needed it also gets done by the state, including a bath plug or toilet brush. I also think they should have a tv, radio, telephone, fax and a computer with internet access as these are all also important for the functionality of an MP for news and communication with constituents and family who they will be away from. If they want a £600+ television then they simply pay for it themselves, this also includes any extras to your property or contents above that which is provided.

Being an MP or councillor is a privilage and you should be above board.

I have seen "normal" people abusing their privilages and they think it is OK, but you cannot have people passing judgements on this who do similar practices themselves but at a higher level (a bit like animal farm). I find the fact that so many MP's are now coming out and saying "how wrong it all is" and "it needs to change" reflects politics for you. It is a cross-party problem and those who have not abused the system for moral reasons should be applauded as it is very difficult not to take that company pen or cellotape from the stationary cupboard for home or claim the maximum 40 p per mile travel allowance when it didn't probably cost that much (fuel, insurance, wear and tear etc). One is within the moral rules and one isn't.

Problems at your first home then you pay for it while problems at your second state-home is covered for by the state.

We now need an investigation into the expanses at the assembly & in local councils.

You can bet that similar scams are going on there

Lets now have an investigation into expenses at the Assembly and local councils. Similar scams & fiddles will be going on there