Nov 3rd, 2009 by Martin Turner
Frequently Asked Questions
As the election approaches, here are answers to questions which are frequently asked of candidates, or which I have been asked personally several times.
1) Where do you live?
Marlcliff, Bidford on Avon
2) Is this in your constituency
Yes.
3) Is this your main residence
Yes. In fact, it’s my only residence.
4) In which constituency are you registered to vote? Is this where you pay Council Tax?
Stratford on Avon, and, yes.
5) What are you paid for being a candidate?
Nothing. Being a parliamentary candidate is an entirely voluntary, unpaid activity.
6) What expenses or other contributions do you receive for being a candidate?
None. See above.
7) What is your main source of income?
I am Director of Communications for NHS Warwickshire. The post is not politically restricted. However, to prevent any conflicts of interest, I have agreed not to comment on health matters in my political capacity while employed in this role.
8) Do you claim any expenses or remuneration from the Liberal Democrat party or its affiliates?
As Chair of the Parliamentary Candidates Association, I am ex officio a member of English Candidates Committee (ECC). ECC members are entitled to claim for travel expenses to and from ECC meetings on production of receipts exclusively for expenses incurred. I receive no other expenses or remuneration from the party or its affiliates.
9) Are you funded by a trades union, lobby group, or any other group not previously mentioned for your political activities?
No.
10) If elected, do you intend to employ a member of your family at the tax-payer’s expense?
No. Any staff I employ will be recruited through a transparent public recruitment process, similar to those used in industry and in the public sector to ensure that appointments are made solely on merit. I will also not enter into a reciprocal arrangement with another politician to employ members of each other’s families from the public purse.