As I’m sure many of you will have noticed, two weeks ago the Parliamentary Committee on Standards ruled that I had inadvertently failed to register my outside earnings correctly. I apologised on the day that decision was made and immediately began the process of ensuring the register was updated accordingly.

That has now been done and the new register has been published online. It is available to view here.

While I had templates from the entries of MPs such as Diane Abbott and Alan Johnson to use as examples of outside earnings from media and writing work, I would also like to publicly thank the registrar for her help in making this process as smooth as possible.

Although it has been done late, I maintain that this is now among the most complete entries on the register as many other MPs will be following the old guidelines I was advised to consult by the Whip’s Office and a member of the Standards Committee.

One advantage of my own outside earnings is that they can be used to help subsidise my parliamentary work. I now no longer claim personal expenses from the taxpayer. I pay for my own Westminster accommodation when Parliament is sitting, my own constituency home and make no claims for travel, food etc. 

My position on expenses remains unaltered, they should be abolished and until they are the British public will have no faith in politicians.