Next parliament has a responsibility to restore trust in politics - Kevin

8.15.00pm GMT Sat 6th Mar 2010

Kevin Lang speaking at the Liberal Youth fringe meeting.

Prospective Liberal Democrat MP for Edinburgh North & Leith, Kevin Lang today promised to do his bit to help rebuild trust in politics that had been damaged by the MPs' expenses scandal.

Addressing a packed fringe meeting organised by Liberal Youth Scotland, Kevin said that huge damage had been done to the standing of MPs and of parliament itself over the last year. He said that those elected in the upcoming General Election had a responsibility in rebuilding public trust in the House of Commons.

Kevin had been invited to speak about what his priorities would be if he was elected the new MP for Edinburgh North & Leith. Covering a broad range of issues including the economy and tackling climate change, Kevin also focused on the issue of the declining trust in politics and lower voter turnout in election.

Kevin also praised fellow panellist, Liberal Democrat MP Jo Swinson, who had consistently campaigned for reform of the House of Commons since she had been elected in 2005.

Kevin said,

"As I go round knocking on doors in Edinburgh North & Leith, people still express their deep anger at the abuse of the expenses system at Westminster by some MPs.

"People need to know that their local MP is fighting for their area and not for their own financial interests. That is why those who are fortunate enough to be elected to the next parliament have an immense responsibility in doing their bit to restore the trust that has been lost.

"I have made my own specific commitments that go beyond what the rules currently say, such as promising never to take any other paid work and to submit receipts for every single claim and to publish these on my MP website."