Gordon Banks: I’ve got nothing to hide

Jul 1 2009 by Alan Rennie, Stirling Observer Wednesday

Sir, – I refer to the letter included in your paper, dated June 24, "Why is MP hiding second home?" and would like to comment.

I understand the writer's name and address have been withheld because of the job they hold and I find this to be double standards indeed. The writer makes demands of me but from the safety of obscurity. This in itself says everything about the standards of the writer.

I would, however, like to address the issues that the anonymous writer has raised as they directly affect me.

My second home is in London. This has been reported in the press.

As regards the question "why can't he tell us … exactly what we are paying for?", this is indeed what the publication of the receipts and the information on my website does.

Prior to securing a flat in London, I stayed in hotels. These hotel receipts are on the parliamentary website and indeed information relating to this is on my own website. Since securing a flat, I have not made accommodation claims relevant to any other location.

I have never flipped any designation, as has been made clear to the press.

Many weeks ago I supplied copies of my ACA claims to the national media and indeed the four local papers that directly cover my constituency, namely the Alloa Advertiser, the Wee County News, the Strathearn Herald and the Perthshire Advertiser.

I also allowed all these papers in the interviews to ask me any questions they wished regarding my claims. I understand I was one of the first MPs to make this information available to the media in this way. Yours, etc.

GORDON BANKSMP for Ochil and South Perthshire