STEPHEN O’Brien, parliamentary representative for Eddisbury, insists he’s fully committed to “transparency across every aspect of parliamentary democracy”.
But the Tory MP – whose constituency covers Cuddington, Davenham, Moulton, Oakmere and Winsford – told the Chronicle he cannot yet release details of his expenses claims.
The 52-year-old said he will make available “the details of his submissions for reimbursement of costs” as soon as he receives confirmation “that such disclosure is not in breach of the law”.
He said this week: “Currently that information cannot be released due to the provisions of the Data Protection Act as it contains sensitive personal information relating to bank details and the addresses of the members of MPs’ staff and families, as well as MPs themselves.
“However, that security-sensitive personal information is being separated from the documentation.
“I have been though all my submissions and receipts and it is now up to the authorities to confirm that my documentation now conforms to the form in which it can be published without putting other people’s secure personal information at risk.
“As soon as that process is complete and I receive that confirmation, then I and other MPs can make that information public.”
He added: “We need transparency in all aspects of our parliamentary process and the way MPs are supported by the taxpayer to carry out the important role our constituents ask us to deliver on their behalf. Rebuilding trust in our democracy is vital.”
Tatton MP and shadow chancellor George Osborne, was told by Tory leader David Cameron last week he will have to repay the cost of a £440 taxi ride to Westminster from his Cheshire home in November 2005.
