Public Have A Right To Know About MPs Staff - Teather

11.22.03am GMT Tue 5th Feb 2008

Sarah has a small team helping with her work for local people

Liberal Democrat MP for Brent East Sarah Teather has demonstrated her commitment to open and transparent politics by publishing a list of staff on this website.

Sarah has a small team assisting her work for local people. They are Jack Beck and Louise Tillotson in Sarah's Willesden Green office, and Matt Sanders helping Sarah raise local issues in Parliament. In addition, Sarah contributes towards the salary of Pete Hannon, who co-ordinates her local campaigns.

The constituency office also has a volunteer Somali translator, Khadija Mohamud, available on Thursday mornings.

Local Liberal Democrat MP for Brent East Sarah Teather said:

"I have never employed members of my family. If MPs do choose to employ their own family, the public have a right to know that these employees are actually doing the work they are paid for, and are properly qualified for their position."

"I strongly believe that MPs should be open and transparent about the way they run their offices, which is why I have published details of my small team online. All of my team are dedicated to helping local people with their problems, and work hard to support my local campaigns.

"I hope that publishing contact details for each person in my office will make it even easier for people in Brent to get in touch if they need help."

Leader of the Liberal Democrats Nick Clegg added:

"The time has come for MPs of all parties to meet the high standards of transparency that people expect of them.

"To improve public faith in the system there should also be a limit of only one family member being allowed to work in an MP's office. We should accept proposals for the limit for expenses claims without a receipt to be reduced from £250 to £50, and there should be spot checks by auditors on MPs' offices.

"Unless all parties take action the public perception of politicians will continue to worsen. It is time for Westminster to accept that it needs to move out of the 19th Century and into the 21st."

Related Link:

Meet The Team.