Released: MPs’ second job details
By Liz Stephens
Details of MPs’ second jobs, including earnings and how much time they devote to them, were published for the first time yesterday.
The details have been released under new disclosure rules which came into force on 1 July. As such, the information only covers the last ten days.
The details were released a day earlier than expected and show that 22 MPs have updated their entries in the register of members’ interests following the start of the new rules.
Few of the MPs have given a figure on how long they spend on their second jobs, with many of them listing the hours worked as “nil” – which suggests they are getting money for nothing.
However, some MPs have gone to extremes to reveal every last detail in the register after having their fingers burnt by the expenses scandal.
Tory MP Peter Viggers, who is standing down after revelations that he tried to claim for a duck house on expenses, has declared the 30 minutes he spent on completing an opinion survey for which he received £50.
Meanwhile, Tory MP Michael Jack declared a jar of honey he received for giving a speech.
The move to release the information was agreed in April, before the Daily Telegraph published details of MPs’ expenses.
Previously, MPs had to name outside employers and directorships in the register of members’ interests – but did not have to reveal the amount of time spent on second jobs and only had to indicate salaries if they related to their work as an MP.
David Cameron recently announced all members of his shadow cabinet will give up their second jobs in the lead-up to the general election.
Commons leader Harriet Harman has stated she would be prepared to consider further action on second jobs and incomes if it was suggested by the committee on standards in public life.
The committee is currently conducting a review of MPs pay and allowances.
