North MPs declare family on the payroll

Apr 26 2008 by William Green, The Journal

FAMILY members employed by North East MPs could be earning tens of thousands of pounds in salaries paid for by taxpayers.

Several of the region’s MPs have voluntarily registered family members employed in various roles, with Commons authorities also issuing pay scales for different jobs.

MPs’ secretaries and office managers earn between £14,212 and £40,052. Pay for caseworkers, who support constituents, ranges from £13,566 to £29,716. Researchers and Parliamentary assistants earn between £14,212 and £40,052.

Overall, 106 MPs have provided details – including Home Secretary Jacqui Smith, Environment Secretary Hilary Benn and Housing Minister Caroline Flint.

There is no suggestion those volunteering information so far have broken the rules, and the list could grow when it becomes compulsory to declare employee-relatives on August 1.

The move comes after Tory MP Derek Conway, an ex-Tyne and Wear councillor, was suspended for 10 days from the Commons for overpaying his son. He has declared his wife, Colette Conway, works as an “office manager/executive secretary”.

Sharon Hodgson, MP for Gateshead East and Washington West, registered her husband Alan as a full-time caseworker in her constituency office.

“He is paid in accordance with the recommended Parliamentary pay scales. It is a shame that the actions of one MP have cast doubt on the integrity of all,” said the Labour MP. Hexham’s Peter Atkinson said it “made a lot of sense” employing his wife Brione as part-time office manager/executive secretary when much of his work had to be done at weekends.

The Conservative MP said the arrangement was open and his wife was qualified to do the job.

Sedgefield MP Phil Wilson employs his partner Margaret Brown as a Parliamentary assistant, while Junior Housing Minister Iain Wright, who represents Hartlepool, employs his wife Tiffiny as a caseworker.

Middlesbrough MP Sir Stuart Bell employs wife Margaret as office manager. He sits on Speaker Michael Martin’s committee, which is reviewing the expenses system.

Tyne Bridge MP David Clelland has not yet formally registered his wife as his office manager but stressed it was no secret, saying she was qualified to do the job but “objected” to having to talk about such issues in the way it was being done.