Hello, I'm Helen Whately, and I'm standing to be your next MP.

I am standing because I would like to make life better in Kingston & Surbiton. Government doesn’t have all the answers, but it can make a real difference. Most importantly, I want a future for us, our children and grandchildren not threatened by conflict, terrorism and climate change.

These are my views, but I am here to be your representative. If you have ideas for making Kingston & Surbiton constituency a better place to live, let me know. Please write to me (email or post), call me or come and see me.

Dear Reader,                          

Like most people, I feel intensely angry and outraged that so many of our Members of Parliament have abused the trust of the public with their expenses claims. We have been let down. This sort of behaviour is not acceptable at any time but it is particularly shocking during a period of recession. The excuse that these expenses were within the rules is simply not good enough. The notion that this has happened because MPs are not paid enough is just not true. I believe that MPs are paid more than enough.

Sometimes I am asked what I am paid as a candidate. To clarify, I do not receive a salary for standing as a candidate and I do not claim any expenses. I have an entirely separate, non-political job to provide an income for my family.  All my campaign literature is paid for by donations.

Anyone employed in a business would expect to submit receipts for every penny of expenses claimed. If elected to parliament I would publish itemised details of my expense claims and I would only claim the expenses absolutely required for carrying out my work as an MP. I have no desire to make money out of politics: I entered politics to make a difference not to make any personal gain.

I welcome the decision by David Cameron to publish all expense claims online, along with banning ‘flipping’ of homes and all unnecessary expenses. However that will not solve this crisis. We have lost trust in this Parliament at a time when we need strong leadership more than ever. It is time to dissolve this Parliament and start again. It is time for a fresh start.

Yours faithfully

Helen Whately