My Promise to the people of Bristol North West

3.20.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Sat 5th Sep 2009

I have been horrified at the behaviour of many MPs and their attitude to the MPs' expense system. There have been widespread abuses that have destroyed a great deal of trust in the political system.

I am determined to prove that, if elected at the next General Election, I will act differently. Therefore I am publishing these specific promises which I am happy to be held accountable for.

If I am elected as your MP at the next General Election:

1) I promise to publish details of any expense claims annually on my website.

2) I promise not to claim any expenses without a receipt.

3) I promise to get my accounts independently verified.

4) I promise to make claims only where I am incurring genuine extra cost at the service of Bristol North West constituents. Even if there are rules that might permit me to claim for groceries and similar items when staying away from home, I won't. I will only claim for costs that are both extra and unavoidable.

5) I promise that I will not employ any family members.

6) I promise to advertise all jobs in the local newspaper.

7) I promise not take on any other paid employment while I am an MP - it will be my one and only job.

8) I promise only to travel standard/economy class on any train/plane journey I take as part of my duties as your MP.

9) I promise to have a constituency office in the constituency.

10) I promise to hold regular weekly surgeries in the constituency at different locations.