LABOUR MP URGED TO REVEAL MCDONALD'S SALARY (Newcastle upon Tyne Liberal Democrats)

Newcastle upon Tyne Liberal Democrats <info@newcastle-libdems.org.uk>

LABOUR MP URGED TO REVEAL MCDONALD'S SALARY

April 27, 2009 12:01 AM

Newcastle Liberal Democrats are demanding that MP Doug Henderson reveal how much he earns from his work outside the House of Commons.

The Labour MP, who represents the Newcastle North constituency, is employed by global food giant McDonald's.

Lib Dem campaigner Ron Beadle is demanding to know how much Mr Henderson is paid on top of his £63,291 MPs' salary.

The Liberal Democrat is also asking how many hours a week the Labour MP works for McDonald's in his role as a member of the corporation's Advisory Board.

Mr Beadle spoke out after Labour Deputy Leader and Leader of the House of Commons Harriet Harman announced in a written Parliamentary statement that the Government would seek to overhaul MPs' expenses.

Ms Harman said that where an MP receives income from a second job "every payment shall be declared with a full description of who paid and what for".

She added that there "shall also be a full declaration of the hours worked for the payment received".

At present Mr Henderson declares on Parliament's Register of Members' Interests that McDonald's pays him for being a member of its Advisory Board and that he is also a paid director of marketing company Ergonomy Ltd.

Ron Beadle, who is Parliamentary spokesman for Newcastle North and challenges Mr Henderson at the next General Election, said: "At present Mr Henderson is not compelled to reveal how much work he does outside of his Parliamentary duties and what he is paid for it.

"However, with Harriet Harman announcing the Government is seeking to change the rules to make MPs declare details of directorships and other jobs outside of Parliament, I think it is only fair now that Doug Henderson comes clean.

"He has been challenged in the past by constituents to say how much he earns from McDonald's and Ergonomy and he has always refused.

"When the new rules come into force Mr Henderson will have to publicly declare this information.

"What does he have to hide?"