Michael Fabricant MP
Michael Fabricant MP

Lichfield MP Michael Fabricant has declined to comment on whether he will have to repay any of his expenses.

Several high-profile members of the House of Commons will pay back money following retrospective limits imposed after a review by Sir Thomas Legg.

The likes of Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg are among those who have made public the details of the letters which were handed to MPs outlining their position.

Some MPs have criticised the levels imposed by the review, but Tory leader David Cameron – who has been asked to provide more information on his claims – has insisted MPs in his party who do not pay up will not be allowed to stand as Conservative candidates at the next general election.

When an earlier league table of total claims had placed Mr Fabricant 569th out of 645 MPs, he reassured constituents:

“I like to think I offer good value for money.”

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.

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willythewombat
14 years ago

Amazing, he is now silent after so loudly banging his own drum on this blog.”Lichfield MP Michael Fabricant reassures constituents over expenses row”. 569th out of 645, I wait with eager anticipation to find out what Mr FAB has got to pay back !

nonoftheabove
14 years ago

How can he be proud that he is only 569 th crook out of 645, does this make him less guilty. Some of the great train robbers got life sentances for stealing a million, are they less guilty than these crooked MP’s who have purloined much more.

johnthemon
14 years ago

This blog just like Class Crisis blog imo are one of the same, have gotten hold of the wrong end of the stick, Michael like any other MP will have to consult with their accountants FIRST before any statements. If Michael’s accountants have gotten it wrong Michael will be the first to admit he has made a mistake.

So wait until then. End of story.

willythewombat
14 years ago

Very interesting “johnthemon” but if HE has to wait ,why is it we are hearing from so many other MP’s?
Perhaps Mr FAB is just that bit smarter than the PM or Mr Cameron, after all when he is so low down the list surely he hasn’t even received a claim letter…..oh no, there goes that flying pig. By the way I like the comment “if Michael’s accountants have got it wrong” does he not sign off his accounts like the rest of us mortals?

Class Crisis
14 years ago

LB have reported the fact that our Micky has declined to comment. That isn’t exactly what we’ve said is it John?

johnthemon
14 years ago

CC/LB, maybe LB should be asked how they know that MF has been asked any such questions. That he is supposed to have declined to comment on?

Stirring up unnecessary agro before the man has said a word is totally wrong.

End of story from me anyway, until Michael has made any kind of comment.

Unconcerned Citizen
14 years ago

if David Cameron sticks to his word he may not have any body to stand in the next election.

I think we may see a new era in our two party politics/democracy – with some new ‘breakaway’ parties forming from the ashes of the current sheenanigans. (im not suggesting they will be any different).

Class Crisis
14 years ago

I’d imagine that LB have asked him for a comment and he has declined to give one. It’s normally how it works. I did as well, sort of. I sent him a message saying “come on Micky the suspense is killing us.”

Unconcerned Citizen
14 years ago

Its all about timing really…. good comedy is all about timing.

Haha.. no but seriously i think the longer he leaves it the worse it will be for him – i’ve read a few MoPs (typo that im not gonna correct) may well be challenging these findings/decisions – perhaps Rt Hon Mr Fabricant is still deciding what to do –

But there is little point in an investigation to appease the public if the public doesn’t hear the results.

Result = further annoyed public.

Michael Fabricant
14 years ago

I declined to comment for one reason only. I promised an exclusive to the Mercury and I am an honorable guy!

willythewombat
14 years ago

I think it’s for the electorate to decide if you are “ an honorable guy” when we see the contents of the letter, a huge deal of gratitude and respect to you Mr FAB for replying on this blog.
I must leave now to order my copy of the Mercury.

Michael Fabricant
14 years ago

Well, the ‘Mercury’ think I am honorable anyway as despite all the idle (and in some cases, nasty) speculation, I kept stumm about my expenses. But the Mercury is out today and I am releasing info to the Blog with some additional news in a few hours having kept my promise………

David Buscador
14 years ago

I look forward to reading that and whatever is in the Mercury.

On an indirectly related matter, someone told me that your home in Lichfield is grace-and-favour – is that correct?

Michael Fabricant
14 years ago

‘Grace and favour’? I should be so lucky. I pay for it myself and it costs a fortune. And the moral of the story is: don’t be so naive to believe idle nonsense from people who don’t know any better.

willythewombat
14 years ago

Mr FAB you have risen beyond the stars in my estimation, by entering into open debate with the public on this blog you get my vote…hopefully you will keep it after my morning read!

nonoftheabove
14 years ago

Has Mr Fab been paid by the Mercury for this exclusive story?, I wonder if he will declare it for tax purposes.

David Buscador
14 years ago

Oh come on Michael, How can I possibly judge whether something is true or not (let alone idle nonsense’) without asking the question?

Michael Fabricant
14 years ago

I think, I hope, Noneof the above, is joking………………… Uggghh. Anyway. Some of my expenses info is now on the Mercury website so your suspense is over and I have now sent, as a consequence, further details to the Blog so watch this space. I hope, once it has been read, some of the authors of the nastier comments above might be big enough to say that Lichfield has an honest and hard working MP representing them! (Sorry. Now I am being naive)……..

johnthemon
14 years ago

Good for you Michael keep rowing the boat ashore.

Barry Scott
14 years ago

Nice to see Michael interfacing with the blog commenters directly, as opposed to a certain Councillor who prefers to hide under disguises and toot his own horn.

Shame The Mercury got the exclusive though, would have been nice to boost The Lichfield Blog’s exposure

nonoftheabove
14 years ago

The one positive thing about this blog is that Mr Fab has answered questions directly, this to my mind shows a man of courage and honour rather than relying on other unknown contributers. I will wait for the next phase of letters from the investigating body, but am happy with Mr Fab’s current status, well done.