The invitation to sign a pledge to run a clean campaign in the by-election, proposed by Rupert Read, the Green Party candidate in Norwich North, has set the other parties thinking.
Conservative candidate Chloe Smith has decided that she'll sign. Lib-Dem candidate April Pond has decided that she won't. Labour candidate Chris Ostrowski says the pledge (full text below) doesn't go far enough and proposes an extra pledge of his own.
Mr Ostrowski says candidates should pledge that if they are elected, their work as an MP should be their only job.
The Green candidate, Rupert Read, is happy to accept that suggestion and is prepared to sign that pledge.
He has made the same undertaking in a leaflet which is already being delivered in the constituency. See it here on page 4. http://www.norwichgreenparty.org/greenview/p/greenview_07.pdf
Dr Read says: "We are starting to hear about the many MPs who earn thousands through second jobs and directorships, who instead of listening to their constituents are listening to big banks and corporations. If I am elected, my only job will be to serve and represent the people of Norwich North at
"It sounds as if the Labour candidate in Norwich North wants to make that pledge, which is good. But what about all the Labour MPs who have second jobs already?"
Dr Read's message now to Mr Ostrowksi is this: "I'm prepared to sign your pledge; what's stopping you from signing ours?"
STOP PRESS: According to the EADT, UKIP's candidate is signing the Pledge:
Comments
I think people would appreciate a candidate who will commit to doing one job, at the rate he did for his old one, as this will show that you want to serve the people.
Rupert's given up a lot to first run in the Euros and second take part in this by-election.