Tory MP apologises for 'gas chambers' expenses email

By Nigel Morris, Deputy Political Editor

Tuesday, 3 November 2009

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A Conservative MP was ordered to apologise by David Cameron after he likened the plight of politicians over expenses to the persecution of the Jews in Nazi Germany.

David Wilshire's remarks, on the eve of tomorrow's publication of wide-ranging plans to overhaul the expenses system, provoked anger and embarrassment in the Tory leadership. The MP for Spelthorne, Surrey, has already been forced to step down at the next election after paying £105,000 of expenses into a company he owns.

In an email to constituents, Mr Wilshire protested that the "witch-hunt" against politicians would "undermine democracy". He added: "Branding a whole group of people as undesirables led to Hitler's gas chambers."

Mr Cameron responded yesterday: "It is a frankly ludicrous thing to say and I think he should withdraw it. People don't want to hear MPs sounding off like that."

Mr Wilshire later apologised, saying he had been responding to some "very unpleasant emails".

The proposals by Sir Christopher Kelly for cleaning up expenses are expected to include a ban MPs' relatives from working for them and to stop MPs claiming for a second home if their constituency is within an hour's commute from London.

Comments

( Leave a comment )

Our Members of Parliament

dolanp1 wrote:

Tuesday, 3 November 2009 at 02:52 am (UTC)

I think that the best solution would be to vote against any of the present lot of MPs, clear the lot out and start again with a fresh lot, this time reforming the Commons so that any MP found wanting can be changed at any time during the Parliamentary term and elections held to replace them.

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Re: Our Members of Parliament

billdavy1949 wrote:

Tuesday, 3 November 2009 at 08:56 am (UTC)

But how would you prevent their opponents simply forcing bye election after bye election?

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SACK HIM NOW:

bgarvie wrote:

Tuesday, 3 November 2009 at 04:40 am (UTC)

Wilshire should be sacked immediately. This idiot is totally out of touch with reality and has let the side down.

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ebbi581 wrote:

Tuesday, 3 November 2009 at 06:43 am (UTC)

the message is very clear !!!! don�t go anywhere near the subject of jews , the matter has become sacred and no one has the right to touch it. this is called democracy the new world order style.

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Dont be ridiculous.

jonny_socialist wrote:

Tuesday, 3 November 2009 at 08:49 am (UTC)

The message is dont liken having to obey the law to being hunted by Nazi's.

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Wislhire...

oomigoolies wrote:

Tuesday, 3 November 2009 at 07:57 am (UTC)

....is a disgusting piece of s**t. How such an awful man was elected beats me. That he hasn't resigned immediately in shame tells it all. Hang on more that juicy parachute drop when he quits.

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Re: Wislhire...

littleglimmer wrote:

Tuesday, 3 November 2009 at 10:44 pm (UTC)

This is how lowlife like him get elected.

A very small number of the local party Association are in his favoured inner circle and are besotted with their hatred of other political parties, that they ensure that he is not deselected. So he remains the only candidate for that Party. Enough sheep/fools/selfish people vote for the Party or the glamorous Party Leader that said villain gets elected again.

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