Amess challenged to expenses debate by Labour candidate

 The Labour prospective Parliamentary candidate for Southend West, Tom Flynn, has challenged Conservative David Amess to a public debate.

 Mr Amess, who has declined to comment on his expenses claims on several occasions, has not yet responded to the challenge which would take place at the next General Election.

 Mr Flynn told the Echo:

 “I have been approached by a number of residents in Southend West who want to see a public debate on the subject of MPs’ expenses and how we restore trust in parliamentary democracy.

 “I believe that to do this we must be honest and open with people.”

 “Surely at this time, our most important task is to restore public trust in politics.

 “That can only be done by facing local people and discussing the situation in an open and honest way.”  

 The pressure has been growing on David Amess since the details of his £20,000 per year expenses claim for the past four years.

 His silence on the issue has provoked speculation on who may stand for his seat in the coming year.