Latest updates: Welsh secretary Simon Hart says the ‘world has moved on a considerable distance’ from partygate scandal
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The Welsh Secretary said he was a “staunch defender” of MPs being able to employ their spouses after the wife of Tory MP David Warburton – who works in his office -–said she was standing by him after allegations of drug taking and sexual harassment.
Simon Hart – who also employs his wife – was asked on Times Radio whether MPs should be allowed to give family members jobs.
I think that’s actually pretty insulting towards so many husbands wives and partners who do a really good job in parliament, work bloody hard, and provide the taxpayer real value for money.
As far as every circumstance that I know where an MP works closely with or pays a family member, whether it’s in this parliament or others, actually the relationship – the professional relationship – is really productive, if anything that taxpayer gets more bang for their buck than they (would) do anyway because it’s a 24/7 arrangement.
Ever since I’ve been an MP I’ve been a staunch defender of this particular situation, I continue to be so, I think it’s a lot of nonsense to suggest that there’s something wrong with it or say it doesn’t provide value for money. I think that is demonstrably untrue.
Looking at how this interview started and what we’re seeing in Ukraine, that helps contextualise all of this in my head.
And I think we’re now dealing with something of such seriousness and such horror that what went on maybe two years ago clearly needs to be dealt with, and should be – it’s a source of irritation for a lot of people still – but I’m glad that this thing is now coming to a conclusion.
