First Politicians Sign Up To New Political Integrity Service
In the wake of the MPs expenses scandal and with a general election looming, local politicians have been quick to support a new online transparency and integrity service.
The new resource, which is being launched by KwikChex.com, will enable voters to quickly and easily compare the qualities of those standing for election in each constituency. It will give details of the background, principles, opinions and policies of candidates over a wide range of subjects, including immigration, taxes, the economy and Afghanistan. It will also enable them to make commitments on aspects such as expenses and how they will serve the public – and following the election the elected MPs will be able to use it to keep the world up to date on all their work and the costs involved.
Two local candidates in the Mid Dorset and North Poole constituency where KwikChex is based, Lib Dem MP Annette Brooke and Conservative Nick King provided advice and feedback on the set up of the service – and have been the first to commit to enrolling as members. Annette Brooke said: “The public have a right to know the financial dealings of both MPs and those who want to become MPs. I have always been open about my work as an MP; if the KwikChex system can help people access financial and other information it will be a very good thing.”
And Nick King, her Conservative opponent added: ” There are already mechanisms for the public to see what their MPs interests are, what they do and what they think. KwikChex is now offering the same opportunity for candidates, an opportunity I welcome wholeheartedly. At a time when the stock of politics and politicians is at a historic low people want those who hope to represent them to be open, accessible and transparent. I believe that’s essential, not only now but at all times and KwikChex are providing a very useful tool to allow just that.”
A KwikChex spokesperson said: “The lines on party policies are blurring to a great extent, and there is no doubt that in the light of recent events, personal integrity and values have become much more important. This new resource enables politicians from across the political spectrum to start to restore the reputation of public servants – and to enable the public to decide how they want to cast their vote based on easy to access information. We are indebted to Annette and Nick for their commitment to what we hope will be the start of new standards and far better engagement with voters.”
The finishing touches on the system, which include polls and surveys, a debate service that will enable the public to pose questions which each member will respond to, feedback on member policies and opinions and the capability for candidates to include video presentations to support their campaigns are just being made now and further announcements on which candidates are enrolling will be published shortly.
