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Outcry as Tory stays Down Under
Ross Lydall15 Oct 2009
A London councillor who has been on holiday in Australia for three months has insisted that he will continue to pocket his £800-a-month allowance.
Chris Harris, 35, spoke out for the first time after being stripped of the Tory whip in Barnet last Friday. He said he would not step down, despite being 10,000 miles away, and would go on banking his "piffling" allowance.
The father-of-one said: "I am still answering emails. I don't think we are going to come straight back as I hear the weather's getting colder in Britain." Lib-Dem councillor Jack Cohen said: "It is an outrage."
Reader views (5)
£800-a-month piffling?
The arrogance of the political elite in this country. I thought the Europeans were worse, but I am of the opinion now that in fact the political criminal class exists across the board.
- Frank, Home Counties, England., 16/10/2009 13:41
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If they're not cancelling the payments it must mean that they can't (for whatever reason). Looks like this guy knows he can get away with it. I may be a Tory myself, but that doesn't give this guy a free ride by my book (he had the Tory whip removed, it says, btw - so not a 'Tory' even) - if someone milks the system they should be slapped down, hard! If the system is set up in such a way that supposedly 'honourable' civic leaders can milk it dry, then the system ALSO needs to be seen to.
I don't care if it isn't easy. There are people whose job it is to review and update proposals, and there are people who vote on the changes. Kick 'em where it hurts and get them to do what they're there for!
- Rogan, Irving, 15/10/2009 22:31
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he says he is answering his e-mails. that's more than i get from my labour councillor who hasn't replied to my first e-mail sent in may this year, nor any subsequent e-mails and calls to the town hall (camden). what are any of them paid for?
- Bandor Etrog, london, 15/10/2009 20:21
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It has nothing to do with human rights. Nor has Cllr Jack Cohen got any power over it, as he is in opposition - it is the Conservatives who control the council. Cllr Cohen is right to call for this matter to be dealt with firmly.
- Matthew, London, UK, 15/10/2009 18:07
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"Lib-Dem councillor Jack Cohen said: 'It is an outrage.'"
Although presumably he won't do anything about it in case it infringes on his human rights. Why don't they just stop paying him?
- Bob, Cheam, 15/10/2009 12:06
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