Should serving MPs have second jobs?
Mixed view in East Kilbride on the topic
I think having a second job is bad for the people they serve... Margaret Russell
Former Chancellor George Osborne, the MP for Tatton in Cheshire East, was recently announced as Editor of the London Evening Standard.
It is an appointment which has surprised many – so the News asked folk in East Kilbride whether they thought members of parliament should have second jobs.
There is nothing to stop MPs having another job – as long as it is declared – but is it right?
David Russell from Newlandsmuir said: “As long as there is no conflict of interest I don’t see why they shouldn’t.”
But wife Margaret Russell feels they should concentrate their efforts on serving their constituents.
She said: “I think having a second job is bad for the people they serve – I think it’s a case of having their fingers in too many pies.”
Margaret Thomson from Westwood said: “If I am being honest I don’t have a high opinion of politicians.
“But I think they should concentrate on serving their constituents – they are paid more than enough as an MP.”
And Leachlainn Cormac, from East Mains, added: “If they act as a consultant but aren’t getting paid then that is OK.
“But if they are a serving MP, considering what they get paid, expenses and if they are on the cabinet they get even more, I don’t think they should get another penny from a second job.”