SIAN'S STATEMENT ON EXPENSES - 15th May, 2009

Sian James MP for Swansea East shares details of her additional housing costs.

There has been a great deal of interest and speculation about Member of Parliaments' expenses and I want to take this opportunity to re-assure constituents about my claims.

I always wanted to become a Member of Parliament and in 2005 I was honoured when the voters of Swansea East placed their faith in me and sent me to Westminster to represent them.

Firstly, let me assure you that I did not go to Westminster to cheat the public or be dishonest. I have always been clear that it is my duty to represent you, your aspirations and those of your family with honesty and respect.

I am saddened that many decent, hardworking members, who have tried their best to do a good job, have been tarred by the same brush as those who have exploited the system.

I am fully supportive of reform and look forward to the improvements the Prime Minister has proposed. It is clear that these abuses should have been dealt with sooner than this, long before it got so out of hand.

I have tried in every way possible to keep costs down for the public and it will be up to you to judge for yourselves when my expenses are fully published. Hopefully, you will realise that I have tried to be sensible, kept costs down and remained within the rules.

In order to clarify matters I have decided to provide a breakdown of my second home expenses, ahead of the date when the official documents will be published by the House of Commons. This information is based on my actual claims and covers the entire period I have served as your Member of Parliament.

For ease of reference the figures are provided under several categories, which include rent, utilities, etc. Please feel free to contact me if you require clarification on any of the information provided.

Click Here to View Expenses (pdf) >>