In defence of James Gray
Sunday, May 10, 2009 I have never met James Gray MP. I know nothing about him, apart from the fact that he (infamously) left his wife for another woman while his wife was being treated for breast cancer.
Today the News of the World revealed that Gray had claimed £60 for buying three Remembrance Day poppy wreathes. (Full story HERE.)
"If this is true," splutters Tim Montgomerie on Conservative Home, "it's the worst expenses story yet. Mr Gray should do the decent thing and leave politics at the next General Election." See HERE.
Tory blogger Iain Dale goes even further, urging David Cameron to withdraw the whip from the former shadow defence minister. "I feel sick to the stomach that an MP from the party I support could even contemplate claiming money for a wreath, let alone actually going ahead and doing it." See HERE.
The worst expenses story yet? Worse than Margaret Moran's second home in Southampton, 100 miles from her constituency? Sick to the stomach? Come on, guys, get a grip.
Compared to hundreds of other claims we have read about, I would argue that a Remembrance Day poppy wreath is a genuine business expense. OK, it may be a bit penny-pinching and a trifle insensitive, but I assume that Gray was only invited to place them at war memorials in his North Wiltshire constituency because he was the local MP.
Would he have done so if he hadn't been an MP? I don't know. As a self-proclaimed supporter of the armed services he may have chosen to place one wreath (though how many of us do that each year?), but not three or four. Therefore it is a legitimate expense (unlike mock Tudor beams, pot plants and underfloor heating).
Forgive me for being cynical, but I suspect that Gray is not universally liked within the Conservative party and he is viewed in some quarters as a sacrificial lamb whose censure (and possible removal) will divert attention from others far more deserving of attention.
As previous posts will confirm, I am as appalled as anyone by the revelations over MPs' expenses, but we mustn't use this scandal to settle old scores. There are far better targets (including, I am sure, other Tory MPs) so let's concentrate on those who have most benefitted and clearly profited from the immoral use of taxpayers' money.
On present evidence, James Gray is not one of them.
Reader Comments (5)
James Gray happens to be my local constituency MP and I suspect he is being targeted for other reasons. Please bear in mind that most armed forces personnel killed in Iraq and Afghanistan are repatriated through RAF Lynham near Wootton Bassett. James Gray has attended more ceremonies connected with these repatriations than most, if not all, the current ministers of the Crown.
For the record, he did not vote for the smoking ban and is more libertarian on the subject than most MPs. I, for one, can think of far worse MPs that may want to represent my interests in Parliament. Simon, you are correct in saying "a trifle insensitive for claiming expenses for wreaths", but certainly not on the same scale as the other hanging offences committed by other MPs.
Thanks for some common sense at last!
I have never seen anyone demand that HMQ or the PM should pay for their wreaths from their own pocket.
Penny-pinching? Certainly. Fraud or wrong-doing? Certainly not.
Agreed - the reaction to this is way over the top. Iain Dale et al need to declare whether their judgement that the man is a "shit" etc is purely justified in thw wreaths expenses issue alone.
It is clearly an obligation of the job for MPs to pay obeissance to the Remembrance celebrations(?), even if they are pacifists or anti-nationalists who don't believe in them. Recall the appalling flak Michael Foot experienced for wearing the wrong sort of coat, even though both present and respectful. It would have been better for him had he bought a smart one out of an allowance.
I had this discussion with friends when the stories were coming out. Reaths are hardly some personal extravagence, they were bought purely for his job.