Newport MP's book is Parliament's most read (From South Wales Argus)

Newport MP, Paul Flynn's book is Parliament's most read

5:10pm Saturday 16th February 2013 in Gwent news By David Deans - Politics reporter

A BOOK by a Gwent MP about how to be an expert parliamentarian has been revealed as the most borrowed publication from the House of Commons library.

Paul Flynn, MP for Newport West, said he was delighted after a newspaper found his 2012 book 'How to be an MP' was borrowed 19 times last year.

On Thursday Commons speaker John Bercow told the house that the earlier version of the book, How to Be a Backbencher, is a "much thumbed tome in the Bercow household".

It sets out how MPs can win back the trust of constituents in the wake of the expenses scandal.

Topics range from how to deal with insane letters, how to stay married or single, how to say no to the media and how to resign.

Mr Flynn lays down 30 commandments for MPs to live by, including making sure messages are replied to within 48 hours, and never paying for favours.

It also says MPs should put the income they earn above their salary into a charitable fund - and Mr Flynn is himself giving any royalties from the book to charity.

"It acknowledges that we have got a ten-year struggle to win back the trust and confidence that the once had in MPs," he said.