An Open Letter from Stephen Metcalfe...

Dear Resident

Re: MPs Expenses

As many of you will be aware I am the Prospective Conservative Member of Parliament for South Basildon & East Thurrock.

I am standing for Parliament because I wish to serve you, the local residents, and to serve my country.

I got involved in politics not for myself but because I believe there is a better future for this country than the one the current Government can deliver.

As a married father of two teenage children, working with my family in my own small family business just down the road in Romford, I know how tough things are at the moment.

I know from my time as a volunteer School Governor, a Samaritan, a member of Round Table and my work at a homeless night shelter, that there are many challenges facing our nation at this time.

I know from my time as a District Councillor and having been actively involved in the community both politically and socially, that we need change in Britain - but we also need to restore faith not only in politics but also in politicians.

Therefore, given the on-going controversy over MPs expenses, I thought it might be useful to set the record straight as to how I finance my position as your prospective MP - As the prospective Member of Parliament for South Basildon and East Thurrock over the last two and half years, I have worked for local residents across the Constituency on a voluntary basis. Since being selected in November 2006 in an Open Primary, at which any member of the public could have attended and voted, I have undertaken all my duties unpaid. These responsibilities include assisting residents with problems, campaigning on issues that matter to local people, visiting and actively supporting community organisations and working with local Conservatives.

I receive no money from the taxpayer for my political duties. I get no salary or expenses, no allowances for communication or subsistence, I have no paid staff and rely totally on volunteers.

All leaflets and correspondence sent out by me or the local Conservatives are financed entirely by myself, small private donations, Conservative HQ or through fund-raising by the local party.

All donations are registered with the Electoral Commission as required by law. I want to represent you and Change Britain for good. I pledge that I will be open and honest with you and hope that together we can create a better future for us all.

Yours sincerely

Stephen Metcalfe
Prospective Conservative Member of Parliament for South Basildon & East Thurrock

P.S. To download a copy of the letter click the image above

Posted 22/7/09

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