You say our MPs are not worth it

Seventy five per cent of callers in the Evening Advertiser's phone poll believe Michael Wills and Julia Drown are not worth their £341,863 annual cost to the taxpayer.

We carried out the poll after MPs expenses costs were published for the first time this week.

They revealed that the two Swindon politicians chalked up £226,893 in expenses between them last year on top of the £57,485 salary they each receive.

And our poll results show that the majority of readers are not happy about that at all.

Overall, only a quarter of the callers did not begrudge the cost.

We ran separate polls for the two Labour MPs.

Of those who cast a vote on whether Ms Drown, who represents South Swindon, was worth it just a fifth said yes.

Ms Drown incurred expenses of £114,894 in 2003/2004, an increase from £82,735 in 2001/2002.

But she maintained the work she did was value for money and it was worth paying for democracy.

She said: "I'd like to thank all the readers that called up and said that we are good value for money.

"I think that democracy is important and it is worth paying for.

"I know there are constituents that write to me and are very grateful that I have raised issues of concern in parliament and with Government ministers.

"Because of the cynical way that politics is often portrayed I'm not surprised that there is an immediate majority that rang up to say that it's not worth it.

"The world would be a poorer place if we did not have a representative democracy.

"It does cost money to deal with the huge amount of correspondence we get but if that means we are creating a better Swindon and a better country then that's a good thing."

Mr Wills, who represents North Swindon, did slightly better with 33 per cent voting in his favour and 67 per cent saying he wasn't worth it.

He ran up office, travel and administration costs of £111,999 over the last financial year. This compares to 2001/2002's costs of £76,513.

Mr Wills said: "Obviously I'm glad that some people thought I was good value for money and I'm sorry that the others didn't.

"I shall continue to work as hard as I can for everybody in Swindon but I hope that people understand that these huge figures they've seen in the press do not go into my own pocket.

"Around two thirds of the cost goes directly to my staff who I think do a very good job for everyone who asks for help.

"And the rest goes into office running costs and transport.

"I'm always looking for ways to be as efficient as possible.

"But of course MPs must be accountable and I think it's a good thing that these figures have been published. Ultimately the way that voters judge whether we are value for money is at the ballot box.

"And if they think we're not they chuck us out."

You said it

On Wednesday we asked you whether you thought Swindon MPs Julia Drown and Michael Wills offered value for money. Here are some of your responses...

Peter Reuby, Buckland Close, Swindon: "Julia Drown has been involved in improving the lot of ordinary people like us, and has been extremely busy both in South Swindon and Westminster.

"The costs at Westminster are probably fairly steep owing to the fact that expenses for anyone in London are high, but on the whole I think people will look back on good service when she stands down at the next election to look after her young family."

Shirley Burnham, Arundel Close, Swindon: "Julia Drown has in the past six months helped me with two matters. Firstly, she sorted out a problem I referred to her about muddles with my mum's pension credit. Within just a few days everything was resolved thanks to her, after many weeks of my trying to resolve it myself.

"Secondly, she is helping me find out why neurology-trained physiotherapy treatment has such a long and arduous waiting time at the Great Western Hospital.

"Julia Drown answers letters and e-mails right away always penning something in her own hand under the text. She follows up any query with great efficiency and enthusiasm.

"As an MP she seems to be remarkably intelligent and conscientious. I really cannot say that she does not deserve every penny of the money she earns."

Michael Watson, Silver Street, Minety: "On October 20, Ms Drown was recorded as voting against a proposed amendment to the new Armed Forces Pensions Bill.

"The proposal sought to right a wrong perpetuated from the 1970s which stops certain widows of Armed Forces personnel from receiving a single penny of the pension towards which their dead partner contributed during service to the nation.

"In the Adver on October 21, it was reported that Ms Drown receives an annual MP salary of £57,485 plus generous pension rights. Ms Drown ran up expenses bills of £114,894 in 2003/2004, an increase from £82,735 in 2001/2002.

"Some of this year's expenses presumably went towards her careful research of the matter before she voted against the widows receiving a pension which would dwarf her own.

"You ask if MPs are they worth it? I hope the affected widows and potential widows of South Swindon will make their reply clear to Ms Drown at the next election."

S Gillingham: "I'm 50 but have never voted in my life. Politicians do zip for me."