Expenses, poshness and wind-energy

2011 feb 5

Andrew Percy MP will have to watch his blood pressure as he is reported as "seeing red" with the new expenses system. His expenses are cited as "the highest in the area" at £18,944 since being elected in May. He describes the new system as being very cumbersome.

Another aspect of Westminster life that has been reported to have got Mr Percy's temples throbbing is the "poshness" of the place and how it resembles a "cross between public school and a gentleman's club". This follows on from a BBC2 documentary in which it was revealed that 66% of ministers attended public school and one school - Eton - provided 10% of the number. Mr Percy's roots are more humble, on the other hand. He was raised on a council estate in Hull and attended the local comprehensive school before reading politics at York. Mr Percy is quoted as saying: "Social mobility has ground to a halt".

The Jan/Feb Conservative party intouch newsletter nuances Mr Percy's view on the role of wind energy within northern Lincolnshire when he is quoted as saying: "Our area has already had its fair share of wind farms and I think it's about time that residents' concerns come first."