The latest edition of the Staines News reports that a fledgling group of Conservative voters in the Spelthorne constituency are seeking to force the local Conservative MP, David Wilshire, to stand down over his expense claims.
My reading of the article suggests that the individuals involved in the so-called "Conservative Anti-Corruption Group" are not existing party members or activists, so it would not appear to be an attempt to force a deselection vote among party members. Rather, it would seem to be a small movement of rank-and-file voters who have the potential to organise against Mr Wilshire in the run up to the general election, assuming he remains as the Conservative candidate.
He came under fire in the Daily Telegraph for his claiming, among other things, £66.66 on a monthly basis for carpets and curtains for his second home. Further concerns were raised by some locally who felt a second home was in any case unnecessary, since his Surrey constituency is within commuting distance of Westminster.
There was also a suggestion that he was inconsistent in his explanation of what he had claimed for, having previously been quoted as saying: “In 22 years of living in London I have always furnished the flat out of my own pocket.”
He has thus far refused to hold a public meeting to discuss his expenses - as David Cameron has recommended to all Tory MPs - saying he would prefer to meet concerned constituents on a one-to-one basis.
But he has said that he is "embarrassed, sad and sorry for upsetting people" over his claims.
Jonathan Isaby
