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Why Sir Nick is not a profligate freeloader

Vic Barlow
23/ 7/2008

I’VE KEPT relatively quiet on the Sir Nick controversy, not least because it’s all so contradictory.

He’s always had one of the lowest expense accounts in the House of Commons. I know from experience he doesn’t throw money around and he certainly isn’t extravagant. He’s worn the same blazer since Maggie was at school, but suddenly he sounds like the profligate freeloader he most definitely is not.

I do think however that he has used the infamous London housing allowance to greater benefit his family. It hasn’t cost taxpayers one penny more than it would have had he simply rented a flat, but to hard pressed families it just doesn’t seem right.

Sir Nick and Lady Ann paid their housing allowance to rent an apartment held in trust for the ultimate benefit of their children.

The scheme which was perfectly legitimate in February 2002, was banned in July 2006, but the Wintertons ‘unwittingly’ continued to pay their Parliamentary allowance into it.

In any other walk of life, ignorance is no defence and they would be expected to repay that benefit, but the Wintertons will not and are not required to do so.

Even loyal supporters are finding it hard to justify how that can be right when Macclesfield Town Hall is waging war on anyone incorrectly claiming benefits, ‘unwittingly’ or otherwise. Sir Nick’s usually unerring political senses appear to have deserted him on this point.

Sir Nick has served Macclesfield with distinction for over 30 years and no one who has seen him out and about would deny his commitment. It would be extremely sad to see him lose goodwill on this issue.

The public are angry with MPs for the arrogant manner in which they avoid taxes – they themselves have created a situation made worse by their patronising justifications. Sir Nick has caught the force of public displeasure and should recognise the depth of feeling even among his followers, none of whom want to see a distinguished career blighted by an error of judgement.

Swift repayment would go a long way towards restoring faith.

The views expressed on this page are Vic Barlow's and not necessarily those of the Express