Sarwar expenses response criticised
Media Release - 20 May 2009
Glasgow Central MP Mohammad Sarwar has come under fire for his response to the expenses controversy engulfing Westminster.
The Labour MP, who was fifth most expensive in the House of Commons last year, broke his silence on the matter by reacting to a statement from SNP Westminster candidate Osama Saeed (below), replying that he would publish his expense claims on his website at a later date.
However, questions have arisen on why there should be a delay on this when the House of Commons authorities gave MPs a copy of all claims in April, with some MPs already having placed the documents on their websites. Sarwar also did not comment on the legitimacy or otherwise of his expenses.
On Monday, he said on his website: "The current controversy over MP's expenses has, quite rightly, raised both concern and anger. I can confirm that once all details are made available by the Fee's [sic] Office, I will be publishing them in full on this website".
Commenting, Osama Saeed, the SNP's Glasgow Central candidate said:
"I welcome Mr Sarwar's prompt response to my request and his undertaking to publish all his receipts. However, he really needs to explain why there should be any time lag before publication.
"The House of Commons authorities have made copies of the documents available for well over a month now, with MPs taking the opportunity to redact information. If there has been no wrongdoing on his part at all, he should say so. At the same time, if mistakes have been made, it is better to be upfront and honest rather than dragging this out.
"Given the level of concern, anger and disgust there is amongst the public right now, constituents deserve to know the exact state of play with their MP."
[ENDS]
