"see the candidates debate these issues head on"

Mary Macleod, the Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Brentford & Isleworth has challenged Ann Keen MP to face her in a public debate on ‘Policy and Principles’, following the MP being condemned for 'serious misjudgment' by the Standards Commissioner.

Mary said: "It’s time for Ann Keen to face local residents and explain why she should be re-elected as their MP. Many residents have raised concerns about her expenses, which is why I have written to her and challenged her to hold a public debate with me on the policy and principles which matter to people – Heathrow, the economy, crime and how to rebuild politics after the expenses scandal. She just needs to name date, time and place and I will be there.  It would be a great opportunity for local residents to see the real differences between Labour and Conservative policies and see the two candidates debate these issues head on."

Macleod has published her own commitment around principles such as expenses. She has promised to: 

1.      Not claim the allowance for an additional home in the centre of London

2.      Publish on her website details of all her office expenses incurred as the Member of Parliament

3.      Publish on her website details of donations, in line with Electoral Commission rules

4.      Open up her unedited expenses claims to local newspapers at the end of every financial year

5.      Never claim for day-to-day living expenses such as food, furniture or household goods

6.      Hold regular surgeries so that local residents can ask directly about issues important to them

The Conservatives have called for a number of Parliamentary reforms including reducing the number of MPs. These policies and a debate on what politics should look like are available here: http://www.conservatives.com/

April 9, 2010