Rochdale MP looks into Cash for Honours scandal

Date published: 17/05/2006

When Rochdale MP Paul Rowen was elected to Parliament in 2005 he didn't  think that within a year he would be thrust into the heart of a Government scandal.  That is exactly what is happening - he has just been made a member of the Public Administration Committee in Parliament.

The first thing that the Rochdale MP has to do is join the 'Inquiry into the Scrutiny of Political Honours'.  Liberal Democrat Transport Spokesperson, Paul said: "This job just gets more and more interesting, I have been a Councillor for 22 years and thought that would stand me in good stead for Parliament.  The more that I am here, the more intriguing the job is.  The idea of being on the Public Administration Committee was one that I thought long and hard about.  It is vital that standards in Public Life are upheld and at the moment that is clearly not happening.  The fact that the Metropolitan Police are investigating the Honours System doesn't give the public much faith in the system.  It is important that we restore confidence in the important job we do."

The 'Cash for Peerages' scandal has been in the headlines over the past few months and it will be the job of the Public Administration Committee to look into this.  Interviews have been suspended until the summer until the results of a Metropolitan Police Investigation are known.  The Committee made the decision to suspend interviews because they didn't want to compromise the police invesigation.  Figures who will come before the committee include the Tony Blair's personal fundraiser, Lord Levy, and senior Labour Backbenchers.

Paul said: "I look forward to an interesting few months; this Committee looks at issues that that go to the heart of democracy and I look forward to working in this crucial cross party committee.  It is vital that Parliament is more transparent and I want to play a part in that."