Scandal-tainted British parliament eyes fresh start focus 05/20/2010

Scandal-tainted British parliament eyes fresh start

focus 05/20/2010 LONDON — Britain’s newly elected lawmakers face a huge battle to rebuild trust in “the mother of parliaments,” after a scandal over greedy expense claims rocked the previous incarnation of the House of Commons. Leaked documents last year revealed that members of parliament (MPs) had claimed public money for moat cleaning, tennis court repairs and dog food, prompting an outcry and even court action against a handful. Record numbers of MPs quit rather than face the public at this month’s general election. Many who did fight on — such as former Home Secretary Jacqui Smith, who inadvertently claimed public money for adult films viewed by her adults — were ousted. This meant 232 new lawmakers out of 649 took their seats on the Commons’ famous green benches as they met this week for the first time since the May 6 poll. Along with finding an office, recruiting staff and remembering to refer to colleagues as “the honororable member,” one of the first things the “newbies,” as they call themselves, will have to learn are the new rules on expense claims issued by the new Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA).... MORE Source:  The Daily Tribune URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20100520com3.html

COMMENTARY EDITORIAL Credibility is foremost FRONTLINE Fraud will out focus Scandal-tainted British parliament eyes fresh start MR. EXPOSE Whistleblowers come out BLURBAL THRUSTS Women power in Pangasinan COMMENT Cotabato ’65 VIEWPOINTS Just asking