Keens' Divided On Crucial Commons Vote

As a majority of 28 secure expense claims for second homes

It appears that MPs Alan and Ann Keen have different views on their expense claims after Alan voted in favour of MPs continuing to receive allowances for second homes and Ann did not vote at all.

Ann Keen was not present in Parliament last night (3rd July) when members voted by a majority of 28 to keep the additional costs allowance along with other expenses.

The vote came at the end of a review carried out by the Members Estimate Committee after a string of expense scandals including the Keens' claiming back money for insuring each other's lives.

It was expected that the review would set out strict new guidelines for what MPs are allowed to claim expenses for and end the so called 'John Lewis' list which saw MPs claiming large sums of money to furnish their second homes.

However, even though the proposals were rejected by MPs, their expenses must be disclosed under the Freedom of Information Act.

Supporters of the proposals claim that it will now be difficult to restore public confidence in the system.

July 4, 2008