An MP whose travel claims led to his political downfall says new changes to how expenses are released are the final twist of the knife in a year of harassment.
Te Atatu MP Chris Carter lost his Labour Party membership this month, in a saga that began with credit card misuse earlier this year.
He is unsure if the changes, which would keep secret the indentities of MPs who claim rebates on personal travel, are a good idea.
“I think MPs will be very relieved that they won’t have to suffer the harassment that some of us have suffered for the last year,” he said.
“I’m not disappointed that this change hasn’t been made earlier, I do think that disclosure and honesty about travel is important. That’s why I’m so angry about the year of harassment that I have suffered.”
Parliament’s Speaker, Lockwood Smith says the change cuts out confusion over whether spending was personal, or on the taxpayer.
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