I said that there where some interesting items on Chris Mole’s expenses. One of the themes (possibly the theme) of Chris Mole’s expense claims has been the way in which he cross subsidises the Labour Party at a number of different levels. In effect it means we have state funding of political parties, or more accurately of the Labour Party, in Ipswich.
The most blatant way in which this was done was the payments to the Ipswich Labour Party of £500 per month for use of a room in the Labour Party offices.* This is going to be the equivalent of the third of the salary of a full time election agent (who also happens to have a council seat and so a nice swag of expenses). This gives Labour a massive advantage in a marginal seat where none of the other parties can afford this.
So why can’t Chris Mole borrow an office in the Ipswich council building, like David Blunkett does in Sheffield? As well as being cheaper for the taxpayer he will be in far closer contact with council officials, maintain a non partisan presence and be able to use the receptionist and switchboard services that the council has. Of course you won’t be able to subsidise your party political machine, but that’s hardly the point of taxes, is it Mr Mole?
* To see one example of this go to the 2008 incidental expenses entry:
You may have to go to page 115 manually, depending on your browser.
There you will see £3000 rent. This is for six months, so you can divide this by six to get £500 per month.
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