MPs' expenses scandal

Bracknell MP Andrew MacKay and his wife have to pay back thousands in wrongly claimed expenses. Should they get a golden handshake when they stand down at the next election?

Andrew MacKay, the MP for Bracknell Forest, had claimed expenses along with his wife for the mortgage interest payments on their second house.

He had claimed over £23,000 under Additional Cost Allowance. He has now paid back over £30,000 to compensate the outraged taxpayers. I believe this sum is enough.

As for the golden handshake, this was put into place by a clause in MPs' employment to encourage them to take risks with policies and as a safeguard.

Mr MacKay should not benefit from his wrongdoing. Although in some ways it is unfair to deny him this as many MPs have received their golden handshake after scandals, it would be unjust to the taxpayer to know that an MP could profit from wrongful claims.

Felicity Carpenter-Emery
Government & politics A Level