Personal Statement on Expenses, income and financial interests

This statement sets out my stance on financial issues related to my campaign, and in the event of my becoming  MP for Thirsk & Malton

I intend, above all, to be to be open and accountable.  I am currently the only candidate standing for this seat to offer this level of transparency.  I call on my rivals to make a similar statement.

Current financial interests

I am currently an employee of the Chamber of Shipping, on a permanent salaried contract. I have no other employment or income from any source other than some interest from savings.  I am currently on the Board of Governors for a school specialising in supporting children with severe autism, for which I receive no remuneration.  I have no stocks or shares, but am a member of my employer's pension plan.

Arrangements for the campaign period

As a candidate, I want to be transparent from the outset about my employment and financial situation, and how I will fund my campaign.

During the course of the campaign, my team and I will be raising money from Labour Party members, plus individuals whose support I have won through my work in the community.  I will fund part of the campaign from my own pocket, and any personal donations will be disclosed in line with Electoral Commission protocol.

I have not received funding from any Trade Union or tax exile. I will publish a full list of those individuals who donate over £100, and it will be a condition of my accepting donations  that any such donor agree to their name being published on my website. Donations made during the election campaign will be reported to the Electoral Commission in accordance with their regulations.

After the General Election

If successful, I plan to live in the constituency, and run a local office that will be open to support the needs of the community 45 hours per week.  Two members of staff will man the office, as will volunteers.  I will work from this office on Fridays and Saturdays and during the Parliamentary recesses.  This office, and its staff, will be paid for out of Parliamentary budgets.  The staff will be paid a salary that fairly reflects their experience and skills.

I will not accept a 'second home' allowance, instead I will use a budget hotel - such as Travelodge - for the three or four nights I need to be in London.  This, will save taxpayers something in the region of £12,000 per year, eliminating the need for mortgage payments, council tax claims, utilities bills claims and of course, the infamous 'John Lewis list'.  I will not claim for food.

Unlike some MPs, who take up board memberships of various companies whilst in office, I will not accept any private employment whilst an MP.  I will take 25 days holiday per year, and will work full time through the long summer recess.

I will publish my salary details on this website every 3 months, together with details of any expenses that I draw from my work as MP, such as office and staffing costs.  I will only travel economy class, and will book train tickets in advance to ensure my travel is as cheap as possible. If it is ever necessary to travel first class, I will pay for the upgrade myself.

I will never, ever, claim any money for hiring cleaners/gardeners at the tax-payers expense.