TORY MSP’s WESTMINSTER BID FLIES IN THE FACE AND SPIRIT OF KELLY RECOMMENDATIONS.

TORY MSP’s WESTMINSTER BID FLIES IN THE FACE AND SPIRIT OF KELLY RECOMMENDATIONS.

A Tory MSP’s bid to be elected to Westminster flies “in the face and the spirit” of the recommendations of Sir Christopher Kelly’s review into MPs' expenses, who says that the practice of dual mandate should end by May 2011. This is presently an issue for Northern Irish MPs, given Alex Salmond’s long-standing pledge to his constituents to serve a full Westminster term, and step down from the Commons at the General Election in a few months’ time.

The Tory MSP for Roxburgh & Berwickshire, John Lamont, has been selected as the Tory candidate for the Westminster seat of Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk and says he will remain as MSP until the next Scottish Parliamentary elections – breaching the spirit of the Kelly Report by seeking to establish a new dual mandate for a year or more AFTER the Kelly Report.

Commenting, SNP MSP Dr Alasdair Allan said:

“John Lamont’s plans fly in the face and the spirit of Sir Christopher Kelly’s recommendations, by seeking to create a new dual mandate situation for a year or more AFTER publication of the Kelly Report – without even bothering to seek approval from his constituents in 2007.

“The Tory position on dual mandates is hypocritical and untenable. At no time in 2007 did John Lamont say he was seeking a dual mandate at Westminster.

“If Annabel Goldie is to retain credibility and authority, she should tell John Lamont to step down as a Westminster candidate in light of Sir Christopher’s Report.”