KATHRYN'S PLEDGES TO THE PEOPLE OF OUR BOROUGH.

"I seek elected office not for personal gain but to serve the public and our democracy, which I consider an honour and a privilege".

The expenses scandal brings suspicion on all those who seek to represent their political parties. As a measure of my intention to try and restore an element  of trust between voters and political representatives ahead of the General Elections, as Labour's Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Gravesham I would like to put on record the following five pledges which  will govern my conduct if I am elected to Parliament.
 
A great many of our current Labour Members of Parliament already embody these principles in their day-to-day conduct and their example should be recognised. I would not like to return to a system where only those who are already independently wealthy can put themselves forward for election to Parliament, so necessary reforms to the system of MPs' expenses and allowances should acknowledge the legitimate need for those representing constituencies outside Greater London to claim for appropriate accommodation and travel expenses. In the absence, however, of a decision on the final form of the new system, these pledges will act as my guide if I have the honour of being elected to the House of Commons. 

• As a parliamentary candidate I will subscribe to high standards of integrity, transparency, accountability and financial economy;
• I seek elected office not for personal gain but to serve the public and our democracy, which I consider an honour and a privilege;
• I will publish my expenses online within a month of submitting them and publicise them annually in full to constituents;
• I will hold regular meetings with my community and will regularly report back to my constituency party;
• I will apply the principle of best value to all decisions I make which involve the use of public money to cover my duties, including for travel and accommodation.