NEED TO REFORM EXPENSES - WILLIAMS

1.55.30pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 31st Mar 2009

Following the publication of MPs expenses for 2007/08 and the unhappiness of the public about some expense claims, Roger Williams, MP for Brecon and Radnorshire and Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for Wales, has called for Nick Clegg, Liberal Democrat Leader, to initiate immediate discussions with Gordon Brown and David Cameron to implement a radical reform which will make the system more transparent and easily enforced.

Mr Williams said:

"Constituents have expressed their concerns to me and I am passing these on to Nick Clegg MP.

"It is good to see ourselves as others see us in this regard and I am looking at my expense claims to ensure that they will meet the highest standards.

"I have called for increased auditing of the system as I see this as a protection for MPs to ensure that they comply and a protection for the tax payer to ensure that payments are directed towards expenditure that MPs need to carry out their duties in the constituency and Westminster.

"Previous reforms have been voted down by the House of Commons. I have supported the reforms whenever the opportunity has arisen and I hope that all members will now see the need to give the public confidence and that the system is accountable.