First candidate to publish campaign expenses and contributions

With all the continuing revelations about MPs' expenses, you would think it would be publicly transparent what each of your candidates for MP is spending on their campaign, right?  It would be easy to find on their websites, right?

Unfortunately not.

I believe we need to do things better.  The people of Luton South need to be reassured that their next MP will be much more open, honest and accountable -- and that's about more than talking about it, you've got to actually do it.

So I've published my first month's campaign expenses: please click here to see them.

You'll see it's modest stuff so far as I don't have the big money of Esther or a political party.  I had my Better Politics Pledge printed up large for an article in the local paper. And a couple of train tickets for volunteers -- I have two politics students based in London helping me with policy research as I don't have a party machine behind me (I tried the university here first, but unfortunately they don't do politics).

Think the other candidates should be publishing their expenses too?  Have any questions about mine? Please email me at joe@joehallforluton.com  And if you're interested in contributing to my campaign, please click here to donate -- even a few pounds is much appreciated.

Why do you love Luton?

Great to see the story in this week's Luton News -- results of a poll of reasons why people in the town love Luton.  It makes such a contrast with all the Tories' talk of "Broken Britain" (do they think we have "Broken Luton" too?)  My campaign is all about building a better future for Luton.

Below is the full rundown of what people said.  What do you think?  Would love to hear what you love most about Luton: joe@joehallforluton.com  I'm building my policies at the moment: what I could do nationally as MP for our future.

Why we love to live & work in Luton

The town’s  warmth & energy

makes it a great place to be

The people of Luton have listed the reasons they like to live and work in the town in an on-line survey conducted by Luton First atwww.loveluton.com.

Luton’s warmth and energy is what Lutonians most love about the town, according to an on-line survey of residents.  It was top of the list of the reasons why people like to live and work in Luton, carried out over the past few months by the town’s promotional consortium Luton First.

Just over 400 people logged-on to www.loveluton.com to produce a list of 35 reasons why they love Luton, with around 20% making reference to the warmth of the town and the energy of the people. 

Luton’s excellent transport links with both London and the rest of the world dominated the next four places, followed by the green spaces which surround the town.

Patricia Murchie of Luton First said today; “The people of Luton are justifiably proud of their town, its heritage, its facilities and its diversity.  But they have also managed to highlight the atmosphere of the town and the less tangible features which combine to make Luton their home  - a unique town to live, work, and have fun.”

Some of the reasons why they love Luton.

1. Energy & warmth
2. Unrivalled transport links
3. London Luton Airport
4. Mainline links to London
5. The nearby M1 Motorway
6. Green spaces surrounding the town.
7. Comedy at The Hat Factory
8. Football and Luton Town FC
9. Romantic walks and places
10. The University of Bedfordshire
11. Wardown Park & Museum
12. A very homely place to live
13. The Lea – a wonderful river
14. Sense of humour
15. A place of inspiration
16. Unique diversity
17. Luton’s famous Carnival
18. Great community spirit
19. Great schools
20. Creativity
21. Luton in Bloom
22. Amenities for young people
23. Orchestras and music
24. Cleaner air than London – but not far away
25. Wonderful views
26. Youth activity in the community
27. Bars & Restaurants
28. The Mall shopping centre
29. Dancing classes
30. Students Union
31. Luton – as centre of the millinery industry
32. A town of immense character
33. The cafe society
34. The Luton Music Service
35. A town with a history

Esther, the Tories and more -- what do you want from your next MP?

Two weeks ago I launched my Better Politics Pledge: my straightforward promises on expenses and accountability if I was elected MP for Luton South.  I wrote to the other candidates and asked them if they would sign the pledge too -- so we have a clear common promise of high standards and can begin to lay this issue to rest.  

I'm very pleased to say Qurban Hussain (Lib Dem candidate) has signed up to my pledge and I applaud him for this.

I also heard back from Esther Rantzen and Nigel Huddlestone (the Tory candidate).  Both agreed that we need better conduct on expenses and accountability, but would not sign up to all my promises.  In particular, neither would commit to not having a second job.

Esther would continue with public appearances, broadcasting and work for ChildLine and the NSPCC.  I admire the work Esther has done for children and as a TV presenter.  Some of her continued work would benefit Luton, but being MP is a demanding role and I fear she might simply have too many competing commitments. 

Nigel has a pledge on expenses and accountability: I fully support it as it contains most of my promises.  On my stronger promise of not taking a second job, Nigel said he would do "at least 50 hours a week" as MP (the equivalent of 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday).  Nigel is campaigning on the issue of expenses and accountability and I think he is a serious candidate.  So I was surprised he wouldn't rule out having a second job and the amount of time he committed to is less than most MPs do in a week.  

In addition, neither Esther nor Nigel would commit to my pledge of having my only home in Luton South.  Nigel lives in Wheathampstead and would not move.  (He would also claim travel expenses for commuting to London while I would not.)  Esther would stay in North London and have a second home in Luton.

I think it is essential we hold our MPs to a high standard and discuss publicly what that standard should be.  I firmly believe it begins with a clear, firm, personal pledge.  There is more we need to do and I will be building on my Better Politics Pledge with more policies.  I would love to hear from you with their views -- email me at joe@joehallforluton.com 

More coming soon on what the parties' conference pledges mean for Luton!