Lewisham's Labour MPs exposed by leading blogger (Lewisham Liberal Democrats)

Lewisham Liberal Democrats <info@lewishamlibdems.org.uk>

Lewisham's Labour MPs exposed by leading blogger

October 16, 2008 12:20 PM

Letter from Bridget Prentice to a constituent

Bridget Prentice has been directing her constituents to a different MP

One of the UK's leading political commentators and bloggers has criticised Lewisham's Labour MPs.

Iain Dale has highlighted how Bridget Prentice MP (Lewisham East) and Jim Dowd MP (Lewisham West) are both now under investigation for using the Parliamentary Communication Allowance to communicate with people who are not their constituents.

Iain Dale further revealed how the Lewisham MPs are also turning away constituents and telling them to contact another MP, even though they have a duty to represent all constituents.

Correspondence seen by Iain Dale reveals that Bridget Prentice MP is telling constituents in Lewisham Central ward to go away and contact another MP, despite the fact that people in Lewisham Central are her constituents. People who approach an MP are often facing serious problems over tax credits, housing or immigration.

Councillor Mark Morris, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on Lewisham Council said:

"I was staggered when Bridget Prentice started claiming to represent Rushey Green ward in Lewisham. She has no right to abuse her position and spend taxpayer's money on claiming to represent people she doesn't. It seems Jim Dowd MP is doing exactly the same thing.

"However, it now seems that the Lewisham MPs have taken things to a new level. When people in real need approach their local MP it seems find they are now told to go away and approach another MP - on the basis that they possibly be their MP after the next General Election! The last thing people need who approach their MP is to be messed around even further.

"Lewisham's Labour MPs are simply putting their own interests before those of Lewisham residents."