Best and Worst MEPs revealed
03 June 2009
http://www.inthenews.co.uk/news/politics/best-and-worst-meps-revealed-$1300787.htm
A new report has revealed Britain's best and worst performing MEPs the day before voters take to the polls in this year's European elections.
The study by the Taxpayers' Alliance based the list on an analysis of their performance in the European parliament including how hard-working and transparent they are.
Of the scores assigned to the 78 UK MEPs, 20 per cent was judged on the number of parliamentary questions asked, 20 per cent on campaigning activity, 20 per cent on expenses transparency, and 40 per cent on parliamentary voting record on key transparency, red tape, spending controls and anti-corruption legislation.
Bonus marks were also awarded for MEPs who opted out of the excessive second pension scheme and deducted for the four MEPs involved in scandals about financial irregularities.
The top performing UK MEP was Jim Allister, an Independent with a score of 79 per cent.
In second place with a score of 77 per cent is Chris Heaton-Harris, from the Conservative party, the same party as third place Daniel Hannan.
The Conservatives actually make up six of the top ten MEPs, as well as one member of the Green party, one from Ukip and Graham Watson from the Liberal Democrats.
However, the worst performing MEPs, according to the Taxpayers' Alliance, are also two members of the Tory party, Christopher Beazley and Den Dover who poll bottom with scores of zero per cent.
All the main parties have a range of scores from the top to the bottom of the list. The exception though is Labour, with Robert Evans the highest scoring Labour MEP in 27th place, thanks to poor voting profiles on key issues.
Commenting on the findings, Matthew Elliott, chief executive of the TaxPayers' Alliance, said: "Whilst some MEPs have been out in Brussels doing a good job for taxpayers, others have been letting people down.
"Across all parties there are a range of MEPs who have worked hard, been transparent and stood up for taxpayers' interests, whilst some of their colleagues have simply cashed in the pay cheques, turned up sparingly and voted against the national interest.
"All MEPs' expenses and voting records must be made fully transparent so people can see what kind of deal we really get from our representatives in Brussels."
European elections take place tomorrow with the main parties, especially Labour, expected to before badly especially in light of the continuing scandal into MPs expenses.
Note to Editors: Jim Nicholson was ranked 51st; de Brun 60th.
