Douglas Ross - knee deep

[Argylehibby]

Interesting phrase used by SNP in reference to Douglas Ross sleaze row.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-59270798

[cabbageandribs1875]

useless pwick ruled a good goal of ours at Ross co offside...dobber

[Speedy]

Not that I like the guy but I'm not sure this makes him knee deep in whatever tbh.

[MrSmith]

Interesting image by the BBC!

[hibsbollah]

As much as I dislike him, it’s nowhere near the level of corruption we’ve seen examples of recently and claims like this undermine genuine examination of institutional corruption.

[J-C]

Not that I like the guy but I'm not sure this makes him knee deep in whatever tbh.


I think they're pointing out that no matter how little or large the amount is, he didn't declare it and it makes him as bad as any other Tory MP who's done the same, it seems to be a cultural thing with them at the moment, do as they please.

[hibee-boys]

Can’t say I’m a Douglas Ross fan but everybody knows he’s been employed previously as a linesman and currently serving 2 constituencies, which I don’t agree with. However, that income is seemingly gifted to charities, as the article suggests. It would seem that’s it’s the fact that this has not been declared within a certain timeframe that’s the issue, hardly knee deep in anything other than stupidity.

[McSwanky]

The SNP world do well to pick their battles a bit more carefully, there's no great scandal here.

[MrSmith]

I think they're pointing out that no matter how little or large the amount is, he didn't declare it and it makes him as bad as any other Tory MP who's done the same, it seems to be a cultural thing with them at the moment, do as they please.


This is how I see it too. This corrupt Tory government are so brazen they don’t even try to conceal their ****my corruption from the public anymore. I cannot understand why any one would vote for them.

[Hibrandenburg]

It's hardly high level corruption but maybe he should concentrate on his day job as he likes to say himself, or even decide what his day job actually is.

[Just Alf]

Agree with most of the above, I don't think there's any sleeze at all in his case. Especially as his MSP salary goes to good causes in his constituency (you could claim he's buying votes from the electorate though :greengrin)

The real issue the MSP and MP roles are both full-time, having both at the same time means its impossible to represent his constituencies 100% effectively. (To be fair, reading the reports and actual quotes from the SNP its this element they have the real problem with)

The not declaring it to the right people at Westminster is simply a stupid error on his part, let's be honest we all knew about the jobs as it was a stick to beat him with.

[Bostonhibby]

If hes going to amount to anything in the Nasty party he'll need to up his game. Fiddling a few match fees hardly makes him the next Owen Paterson, Geoffrey Cox etc etc etc.......

Sent from my SM-A750FN using Tapatalk

[neil7908]

The SNP world do well to pick their battles a bit more carefully, there's no great scandal here.

Agreed. Don't like Ross but the headline and quotes from the SNP are way OTT after reading what he's actually done.

[Argylehibby]

Interesting image by the BBC!

Indeed, in line with SNP’s reference to him being “knee deep” perhaps paraphrasing the song sung by those supporters? I don’t think that’s accidental.

[Hiber-nation]

Kirsten Oswald is terrible. Comes out with cliche ridden guff time after time and doesn't answer questions.

[Ozyhibby]

It’s clearly an oversight by Ross and speaks more to his incompetence than anything else.
However, is it appropriate for him to be taking money from the SFA given how much public money the SFA receive? In my opinion, Politicians should be banned from accepting payment from any company that receives govt handouts or contracts for govt.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[CropleyWasGod]

Am I being overly cynical, when I think that this could be paving the way for Andrew Bowie to take over?

[H18 SFR]

Our friend who is self-employed and regularly talks about bumping the HMRC seems hysterically angry about this news.

[degenerated]

Am I being overly cynical, when I think that this could be paving the way for Andrew Bowie to take over?That would be my thinking too. The only bit that's unfathomable is that Bowie is equally as loathsome and as Ross and likely to be just as unpopular.
He is however a boot licker of the highest order which will stand him in good stead with Johnson.

[Bostonhibby]

That would be my thinking too. The only bit that's unfathomable is that Bowie is equally as loathsome and as Ross and likely to be just as unpopular.
He is however a boot licker of the highest order which will stand him in good stead with Johnson.Sounding like we might have a two cheeks of the same grotesque arse scenario here[emoji16]

Sent from my SM-A750FN using Tapatalk

[degenerated]

Sounding like we might have a two cheeks of the same grotesque arse scenario here[emoji16]

Sent from my SM-A750FN using TapatalkThe difference between the two is that Ross will pretend to disagree with the party, although voting suggests he rarely actually does, whereas Bowie is overtly subservient.
With folk like Bowie and Jack in place then Johnson can ensure he has Jocks that will bend the knee at his will.

[Phil MaGlass]

Not that I like the guy but I'm not sure this makes him knee deep in whatever tbh.

Imagine for a minute this was Nicola Sturgeon, he would be all over it, like the rest of the tory cockroaches.
Calling for enquiries and her to resign, F him, SNP should be all over this. tories, and corruption go hand in hand.

[Bostonhibby]

The difference between the two is that Ross will pretend to disagree with the party, although voting suggests he rarely actually does, whereas Bowie is overtly subservient.
With folk like Bowie and Jack in place then Johnson can ensure he has Jocks that will bend the knee at his will.Understood. Not paid a lot of attention to Bowie but will do.

Sounds more like two cheeks of slightly different grotesque ***** then.

Sent from my SM-A750FN using Tapatalk

[SHODAN]

Am I being overly cynical, when I think that this could be paving the way for Andrew Bowie to take over?

Yup, parallels between Bowie resigning in "protest" over a wider scandal and Ross doing the same right before Carlaw was punted.

[Ozyhibby]

Yup, parallels between Bowie resigning in "protest" over a wider scandal and Ross doing the same right before Carlaw was punted.

Bowie voted to save Patterson where as Ross abstained.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[CentreLine]

As much as I dislike him, it’s nowhere near the level of corruption we’ve seen examples of recently and claims like this undermine genuine examination of institutional corruption.

Pretty much sums up my own feelings. Strongly dislike the, money grabbing, sleaze ridden tories and this man is a monumental failure but nothing to see here. Man has made an error in his returns and corrected it.

[CMurdoch]

Interesting image by the BBC!

Yeah the combination of the headline and image is naughty.

[Radium]

I think that the sad thing about this story is the way in which unacceptable behaviour doesn’t feel like much simply because of the scale of corruption going on elsewhere.

It is not working against the UK half way around the world or handing out multi million contract to your mates but MPs/ MSPs must be held to a higher standard.

What would be really positive is if someone, who only checked his expenses because of the tsunami of criticism that was going around, could instruct DWP and HMRC to apply the sympathetic approach he will be no doubt be expecting from the standards commission when their clients forget and can’t explain their omission


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[McSwanky]

Imagine for a minute this was Nicola Sturgeon, he would be all over it, like the rest of the tory cockroaches.
Calling for enquiries and her to resign, F him, SNP should be all over this. tories, and corruption go hand in hand.Where does it all end though? I remember not that long ago when the Scottish Parliament wasn't anywhere near as partisan and divided as this. Sad that we've got to the point where people are being called out for not scoring a political point about anything and everything.

Just because the tories do it doesn't mean everyone else has to. Rising above it and concentrating on doing the right thing is more important IMO.

[degenerated]

Pretty much sums up my own feelings. Strongly dislike the, money grabbing, sleaze ridden tories and this man is a monumental failure but nothing to see here. Man has made an error in his returns and corrected it.He publicly stated that if elected to Holyrood that he would only accept one salary. Now he's telling us that he lied and is accepting three wages and that he's so incompetent that he failed to register two of them.

Dress it up any way you want but it doesn't sound to me that he is the sort of person that deserves to be earning hundreds of thousands of pounds a year from the public purse.

[Ozyhibby]

As much as I dislike him, it’s nowhere near the level of corruption we’ve seen examples of recently and claims like this undermine genuine examination of institutional corruption.

It’s not but if you forget to declare income while applying for UC or forget to tell HMRC then the penalties are a lot more harsh than Ross will face for forgetting about £30k (more than the uk average wage?) in income.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Bostonhibby]

It’s not but if you forget to declare income while applying for UC or forget to tell HMRC then the penalties are a lot more harsh than Ross will face for forgetting about £30k (more than the uk average wage?) in income.


Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkI did wonder if he is also claiming his full allowance for staff, the sort of person who might stay on top of stuff like this for him.

Sent from my SM-A750FN using Tapatalk

[SHODAN]

Bowie voted to save Patterson where as Ross abstained.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Which makes it even more transparent that the resignation was a stunt.

[Kato]

Knee deep is probably fair considering how many are up to their necks.

Sent from my SM-A405FN using Tapatalk

[Callum_62]

Anyone breaking the rules has to resign

I'm sure that's Douglas Ross thoughts on everyone else....

Sent from my VOG-L29 using Tapatalk

[heretoday]

Pretty much sums up my own feelings. Strongly dislike the, money grabbing, sleaze ridden tories and this man is a monumental failure but nothing to see here. Man has made an error in his returns and corrected it.

Hardly knee deep in sleaze. Knee deep in mud maybe!

[Billy Whizz]

I’d be surprised if SFA refs don’t pay tax at source, unless they are deemed as self employed

[PatHead]

Bowie voted to save Patterson where as Ross abstained.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Doubt Ross abstained. He probably wasn't in London to vote. It just brings home why he shouldn't be allowed to have a seat in both parliaments. His constituents are not being represented.

Not just a Tory thing, should apply to all parties.

[cabbageandribs1875]

Doubt Ross abstained. He probably wasn't in London to vote. It just brings home why he shouldn't be allowed to have a seat in both parliaments. His constituents are not being represented.

Not just a Tory thing, should apply to all parties.

he did, a very clever abstention though as they had the numbers

[Keith_M]

I hope he didn't get any dates wrong by three days or so, or there'll be a real meltdown from certain posters on here...

[cabbageandribs1875]

have Baillie and Cole hamilton called for a resignation yet

[JimBHibees]

have Baillie and Cole hamilton called for a resignation yet

Bound to have.

[NORTHERNHIBBY]

Jackson Carcrash must wondering WTF when he sees the competency of the boy who he was hooked for. In keeping with his tenure, he is yet to put a foot right and looks like another space filler until Ruth the Mooth gets her appetite back.

[CropleyWasGod]

I’d be surprised if SFA refs don’t pay tax at source, unless they are deemed as self employed

They are self employed.

[cabbageandribs1875]

https://scontent.fman1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/254916290_4451514031562711_1496714983492305041_n.p ng?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=caf1V8C--0cAX-ebKrG&_nc_ht=scontent.fman1-1.fna&oh=92f26d3da1d9c62692918e5a87646eff&oe=6194E008

[EI255]

Not that I like the guy but I'm not sure this makes him knee deep in whatever tbh.Eh?

Did you read the link!

Sent from my LG-H870 using Tapatalk

[EI255]

The SNP world do well to pick their battles a bit more carefully, there's no great scandal here.And I'm sure the reverse would be equally as scathing.

Sent from my LG-H870 using Tapatalk

[EI255]

Imagine for a minute this was Nicola Sturgeon, he would be all over it, like the rest of the tory cockroaches.
Calling for enquiries and her to resign, F him, SNP should be all over this. tories, and corruption go hand in hand.Totally agree. This would be a field day for them had the roles reversed.

Sent from my LG-H870 using Tapatalk

[EI255]

Since its fireworks a season, can we not attach a rocket to this guy and send him into the night? Who'd miss him? He's a welt.

Sent from my LG-H870 using Tapatalk

[1875godsgift]

Since its fireworks a season, can we not attach a rocket to this guy and send him into the night? Who'd miss him? He's a welt.

Sent from my LG-H870 using Tapatalk

Probably his family? He might be a tax fiddler, corrupt and a complete throbber but he's still a human being.

[Crunchie]

Interesting phrase used by SNP in reference to Douglas Ross sleaze row.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-59270798
The SNP are mired in the expenses rip off themselves, as are every party, they're all a bunch of hypocrites.

[MrSmith]

Probably his family? He might be a tax fiddler, corrupt and a complete throbber but he's still a human being.


A Tory is human? Hmm, let me think about that … no chance!

[McSwanky]

And I'm sure the reverse would be equally as scathing.

Sent from my LG-H870 using TapatalkYes it would. Doesn't make it the right way to go about things though.

[degenerated]

Looks like the knives are out for poor Dougie

https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/tory-leader-douglas-ross-late-25453713

[Ozyhibby]

Looks like the knives are out for poor Dougie

https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/tory-leader-douglas-ross-late-25453713

It seems like having three jobs is maybe too much for him.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Keith_M]

It seems like having three jobs is maybe too much for him.




He seems to be getting quite forgetful, with so much on his plate.


Does he get the yellow card, or the red card?

[degenerated]

He seems to be getting quite forgetful, with so much on his plate.


Does he get the yellow card, or the red card?He isn't quite as forgetful when it comes to expenses claims every month.

[He's here!]

Agree with most of the above, I don't think there's any sleeze at all in his case. Especially as his MSP salary goes to good causes in his constituency (you could claim he's buying votes from the electorate though :greengrin)

The real issue the MSP and MP roles are both full-time, having both at the same time means its impossible to represent his constituencies 100% effectively. (To be fair, reading the reports and actual quotes from the SNP its this element they have the real problem with)

The not declaring it to the right people at Westminster is simply a stupid error on his part, let's be honest we all knew about the jobs as it was a stick to beat him with.

This is the problem when so-called political 'sleaze' stories emerge. The Herald appear to making more of this than it merits in a bid to make headlines - and today's follow-up lists the 20 Scottish MPs across all parties who they describe as 'raking in thousands on the side'. As far as I can see it's little more than a list of those who have second jobs.

https://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/19715765.mps-second-jobs-scots-raking-thousands-side/

[Kato]

This is the problem when so-called political 'sleaze' stories emerge. The Herald appear to making more of this than it merits in a bid to make headlines - and today's follow-up lists the 20 Scottish MPs across all parties who they describe as 'raking in thousands on the side'. As far as I can see it's little more than a list of those who have second jobs.

https://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/19715765.mps-second-jobs-scots-raking-thousands-side/

The papers will make more of it for political reasons and to sell papers.

The narrative seems to be forming around the term "2nd jobs".

The 90's term "cash for questions" was far more cutting.

[degenerated]

This is the problem when so-called political 'sleaze' stories emerge. The Herald appear to making more of this than it merits in a bid to make headlines - and today's follow-up lists the 20 Scottish MPs across all parties who they describe as 'raking in thousands on the side'. As far as I can see it's little more than a list of those who have second jobs.

https://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/19715765.mps-second-jobs-scots-raking-thousands-side/Douglas Ross's problem is that he has vociferously called for others to resign if they had broken rules, whether by accident or design - and prior to investigations being concluded as to whether rules had in fact been broken.

Therefore it is hardly a surprise that this is making the headlines, and bear in mind it isn't a one off. As well as the not reporting of 28k worth of income identified by the herald it now transpires he did not report earnings from a further 26 football matches within required timescales.

[SHODAN]

Live by the sword...

[Kato]

Douglas Ross's problem is that he has vociferously called for others to resign if they had broken rules, whether by accident or design - and prior to investigations being concluded as to whether rules had in fact been broken.

Therefore it is hardly a surprise that this is making the headlines, and bear in mind it isn't a one off. As well as the not reporting of 28k worth of income identified by the herald it now transpires he did not report earnings from a further 26 football matches within required timescales.

Fair point given he wanted the FM to resign for not remembering if you she was told something on a Monday or a Friday.

Given his teams shaky relationship with the concept and rules around HMRC, did he pay the tax on these earnings he forgot all about?

[silverhibee]

He isn't quite as forgetful when it comes to expenses claims every month.

Like. :aok:

[Callum_62]

"Evidence against Nicola Sturgeon has been mounting, it has been growing… you cannot continue as first minister of Scotland if you have mislead parliament and breached the ministerial code.”

That You Douglas?

Sent from my VOG-L29 using Tapatalk

[matty_f]

Douglas Ross's problem is that he has vociferously called for others to resign if they had broken rules, whether by accident or design - and prior to investigations being concluded as to whether rules had in fact been broken.

Therefore it is hardly a surprise that this is making the headlines, and bear in mind it isn't a one off. As well as the not reporting of 28k worth of income identified by the herald it now transpires he did not report earnings from a further 26 football matches within required timescales.

Saw a wee video on Twitter earlier, and I have to say i haven’t fact checked it, which gave another angle on why Ross might have neglected to declare stuff, it matched up dates he was refereeing with parliamentary duties that he missed as a result.

[degenerated]

Saw a wee video on Twitter earlier, and I have to say i haven’t fact checked it, which gave another angle on why Ross might have neglected to declare stuff, it matched up dates he was refereeing with parliamentary duties that he missed as a result.That should be a sacking offence if true.

[McSwanky]

Saw a wee video on Twitter earlier, and I have to say i haven’t fact checked it, which gave another angle on why Ross might have neglected to declare stuff, it matched up dates he was refereeing with parliamentary duties that he missed as a result.Now that would be much more of a scandal, and definitely worthy of more scrutiny.

[ronaldo7]

@Douglas4money is rather apt.

[hibsbollah]

Douglas Ross's problem is that he has vociferously called for others to resign if they had broken rules, whether by accident or design - and prior to investigations being concluded as to whether rules had in fact been broken.

Therefore it is hardly a surprise that this is making the headlines, and bear in mind it isn't a one off. As well as the not reporting of 28k worth of income identified by the herald it now transpires he did not report earnings from a further 26 football matches within required timescales.

If he’s broken the rules, fine, bring pressure on him to resign. I’m just massively suspicious of where the media is taking this narrative, this shouldn’t be about ‘whether 2nd jobs should be allowed for MPs’. It’s almost like they’ve dipped their toes in the UK corruption story, they or their lawyers have got scared off and they’re now giving us small beer scandal stories instead and hoping we won’t notice the difference.

[Ozyhibby]

If he’s broken the rules, fine, bring pressure on him to resign. I’m just massively suspicious of where the media is taking this narrative, this shouldn’t be about ‘whether 2nd jobs should be allowed for MPs’. It’s almost like they’ve dipped their toes in the UK corruption story, they or their lawyers have got scared off and they’re now giving us small beer scandal stories instead and hoping we won’t notice the difference.

I personally don’t think MP’s should have 2nd jobs.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Kato]

If he’s broken the rules, fine, bring pressure on him to resign. I’m just massively suspicious of where the media is taking this narrative, this shouldn’t be about ‘whether 2nd jobs should be allowed for MPs’. It’s almost like they’ve dipped their toes in the UK corruption story, they or their lawyers have got scared off and they’re now giving us small beer scandal stories instead and hoping we won’t notice the difference.That's the way the narrative is being steered.

Whether there is value to an MPs second job is by the by, sometimes there is sometimes there isn't.

It's the lobbying aspect that is being smudged and smeared away from the story that is the problem.

The Marr show this morning was steering the narrative away from that this morning.



Sent from my SM-A405FN using Tapatalk

[lapsedhibee]

That's the way the narrative is being steered.
More rammed than steered. And there's no particular problem in the Tory party, because Starmer's every bit as bad as Cox.
Marr should really give up now, if he's not going to do the job properly.

[Hibernia&Alba]

Knee Deep....

Harsh. He only sings that song after he's run the line in a Rangers game.

[Bostonhibby]

Douglas Ross's problem is that he has vociferously called for others to resign if they had broken rules, whether by accident or design - and prior to investigations being concluded as to whether rules had in fact been broken.

Therefore it is hardly a surprise that this is making the headlines, and bear in mind it isn't a one off. As well as the not reporting of 28k worth of income identified by the herald it now transpires he did not report earnings from a further 26 football matches within required timescales.Yep, as it stands now, you're right on the money.

if it looks like a snake and slithers like a snake it's probably just Douglas Ross being Douglas Ross, or Murray Ross as Bozo likes to call him.

Sent from my SM-A750FN using Tapatalk

[hibsbollah]

More rammed than steered. And there's no particular problem in the Tory party, because Starmer's every bit as bad as Cox.
Marr should really give up now, if he's not going to do the job properly.

Some might say that IS his job:greengrin

[JimBHibees]

More rammed than steered. And there's no particular problem in the Tory party, because Starmer's every bit as bad as Cox.
Marr should really give up now, if he's not going to do the job properly.

Yep that was ridiculous questioning. Honestly can't abide Marr

[Steven79]

I hope he didn't get any dates wrong by three days or so, or there'll be a real meltdown from certain posters on here...[emoji23][emoji23][emoji23]

Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk

[He's here!]

Knee Deep....

Harsh. He only sings that song after he's run the line in a Rangers game.

He's an Aberdeen fan.

[Ozyhibby]

Weird that there has been no condemnation of this from Scottish Labour?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Steven79]

He's an Aberdeen fan.You are joking?

Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk

[Kato]

Weird that there has been no condemnation of this from Scottish Labour?


Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkSmall fry. So far.

Sent from my SM-A405FN using Tapatalk

[Kato]

You are joking?

Sent from my SM-G960F using TapatalkI thought he was a West of Scotland fan.

Sent from my SM-A405FN using Tapatalk

[Crunchie]

I personally don’t think MP’s should have 2nd jobs.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
They shouldn't be allowed to employ family or claim expenses for 3/4 of the stuff they do either, but none of the political parties are willing to take away any of the perks.

[degenerated]

Weird that there has been no condemnation of this from Scottish Labour?


Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkOr Alex Cole Hamilton, he's usually quite quick to demand resignations too.

[hibbyfraelibby]

useless pwick ruled a good goal of ours at Ross co offside...dobber

Was it not at Elgin...you know the town he is the sitting NP for?

[hibbyfraelibby]

The SNP world do well to pick their battles a bit more carefully, there's no great scandal here.

Yes there is...he also forgot to tell Westminster abot 21 match fees too over and above the ones he's refered himself over after being found out and he/his constituency accepted a £20k donation from an Aberdeenshire drug dealer. Defo the right battle.

[lucky]

Weird that there has been no condemnation of this from Scottish Labour?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Wrong again about Scottish Labour but why let the truth get in the way of a good story. This is in the Scotsman today:

Scottish Labour business manager Neil Bibby said: “There is no greater privilege and duty than to serve the people of Scotland as an MSP – that so many Tory members are happy to pocket thousands working second jobs at the same time is shameful.

“This is nothing other than the same Tory sleaze we have seen revealed at Westminster in recent weeks. It is high time that Douglas Ross got his house in order and clamped down on these MSPs who view serving the people as a part-time hobby.”


Scottish Labour said that no sitting MSP from their party works a paid second job.

[Ozyhibby]

Wrong again about Scottish Labour but why let the truth get in the way of a good story. This is in the Scotsman today:

Scottish Labour business manager Neil Bibby said: “There is no greater privilege and duty than to serve the people of Scotland as an MSP – that so many Tory members are happy to pocket thousands working second jobs at the same time is shameful.

“This is nothing other than the same Tory sleaze we have seen revealed at Westminster in recent weeks. It is high time that Douglas Ross got his house in order and clamped down on these MSPs who view serving the people as a part-time hobby.”


Scottish Labour said that no sitting MSP from their party works a paid second job.

I posted that yesterday?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[degenerated]

He's an Aberdeen fan.Is that the Aberdeen that play at Ibrox?

[Jack]

I don't mind MSPs or MPs having second jobs. There have been numerous stories over the time of the pandemic of representatives of all parties, even the torys, doing stints in the NHS, care homes and the like. In some cases they need to keep going along with updating training to keep their skills and creditation valid.

I don't even mind lawyers or anyone plying their trade while elected. I agree with those who say it enhances the house and God forbid it was full of career politicians.

What should happen though is that being a representative is their prime job and takes priority over any other jobs.

If I'm being greedy I'd also add that in my world they would not be allowed to vote on matters related to their other jobs. And I'd add that having any interest in other areas, such as shareholdings, would also bar them from taking any part in a debate and voting in those areas.

[Ozyhibby]

I don't mind MSPs or MPs having second jobs. There have been numerous stories over the time of the pandemic of representatives of all parties, even the torys, doing stints in the NHS, care homes and the like. In some cases they need to keep going along with updating training to keep their skills and creditation valid.

I don't even mind lawyers or anyone plying their trade while elected. I agree with those who say it enhances the house and God forbid it was full of career politicians.

What should happen though is that being a representative is their prime job and takes priority over any other jobs.

If I'm being greedy I'd also add that in my world they would not be allowed to vote on matters related to their other jobs. And I'd add that having any interest in other areas, such as shareholdings, would also bar them from taking any part in a debate and voting in those areas.

I’m sorry I disagree. The odd MP doing a bit of good work on the side is being used as cover for massive corruption. I think we need to move to a no 2nd job rule because it’s clear we can’t operate the current system. If you want to be an MP then it should be a full time job.
As far as enhancing the house, give me a break. There is nothing enhanced about the current House of Parliament.
The current levels of corruption demand radical solutions.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211115/8e62596d3b7f32d7b81bf3d3126d6f96.jpg

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/tory-minister-nadhim-zahawi-pockets-25457511


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[neil7908]

I’m sorry I disagree. The odd MP doing a bit of good work on the side is being used as cover for massive corruption. I think we need to move to a no 2nd job rule because it’s clear we can’t operate the current system. If you want to be an MP then it should be a full time job.
As far as enhancing the house, give me a break. There is nothing enhanced about the current House of Parliament.
The current levels of corruption demand radical solutions.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211115/8e62596d3b7f32d7b81bf3d3126d6f96.jpg

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/tory-minister-nadhim-zahawi-pockets-25457511


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I agree. It won't be a popular opinion but they need a pay raise as well. That would be my ideal scenario. A ban on any other work, consultation, 2nd job, directorship etc but a pay raise.

Given the pressure and responsibilities of the role £82k isn't enough.

[Keith_M]

The Zahawi story Ozyhibby mentioned above is even worse than it first appears.


This guy, and his 'company', have been paid millions by Kurdistani Oil Concerns to work in an as yet unspecified 'advisory' role.

By an amazing coincidence, Zahawi was working on a government committee at the exact same time 'the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Kurdistan'.

[Since90+2]

I’m sorry I disagree. The odd MP doing a bit of good work on the side is being used as cover for massive corruption. I think we need to move to a no 2nd job rule because it’s clear we can’t operate the current system. If you want to be an MP then it should be a full time job.
As far as enhancing the house, give me a break. There is nothing enhanced about the current House of Parliament.
The current levels of corruption demand radical solutions.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211115/8e62596d3b7f32d7b81bf3d3126d6f96.jpg

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/tory-minister-nadhim-zahawi-pockets-25457511


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Agreed. It needs to be black and white to not allow these sleazy ********s the wiggle room they clearly have at the moment.

MP's earn £80,000 a year plus benefits that far outweigh what the average person in this country receive. If that's not enough then they should find alternative employment.

[PatHead]

Agreed. It needs to be black and white to not allow these sleazy ********s the wiggle room they clearly have at the moment.

MP's earn £80,000 a year plus benefits that far outweigh what the average person in this country receive. If that's not enough then they should find alternative employment.

Not to mention the 1/40ths final salary pension scheme or free meals etc.

[Santa Cruz]

Agreed. It needs to be black and white to not allow these sleazy ********s the wiggle room they clearly have at the moment.

MP's earn £80,000 a year plus benefits that far outweigh what the average person in this country receive. If that's not enough then they should find alternative employment.

Cabinet Ministers get paid another £67k on top of their MP salary. I've no probs with 2nd jobs that bring some real life experience to a Parliament. When you add in the expenses claimed I think they could set an example and commit to voluntary work in the 2nd job, just the same as many working class people with far poorer salaries do.

[Smartie]

I have no issues with second jobs - as long as they don't impact on the individual's ability to do the first job, and that there is no conflict of interest whatsoever when it comes to the first job, this being rigorously enforced with consequences for those who don't comply.

Obviously that is unrecognisable from what we have at the moment, but I think we stop short of having an outright ban on MPs having second jobs.

[Hibernia&Alba]

I have no issues with second jobs - as long as they don't impact on the individual's ability to do the first job, and that there is no conflict of interest whatsoever when it comes to the first job, this being rigorously enforced with consequences for those who don't comply.

Obviously that is unrecognisable from what we have at the moment, but I think we stop short of having an outright ban on MPs having second jobs.

I do have a problem with it. For me it's an open invitation to corruption, to conflicts of interest. I would like to see members of parliament be confined to serving the public interest of their constituents and the country, not lining their own pockets. It would help ensure people entering public life are doing so for the right reasons.

[Ozyhibby]

I have no issues with second jobs - as long as they don't impact on the individual's ability to do the first job, and that there is no conflict of interest whatsoever when it comes to the first job, this being rigorously enforced with consequences for those who don't comply.

Obviously that is unrecognisable from what we have at the moment, but I think we stop short of having an outright ban on MPs having second jobs.

That’s the system we have now. It doesn’t work.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[The Modfather]

I do have a problem with it. For me it's an open invitation to corruption, to conflicts of interest. I would like to see members of parliament be confined to serving the public interest of their constituents and the country, not lining their own pockets. It would help ensure people entering public life are doing so for the right reasons.

As a contractor it does seem one rule for them and another for the rest of us. It’s fine to target contractors with IR35 in March last year and follow it up with no support during Covid for the few million contractors in the UK who were forgotten about. All while trying to milk as much as they can get away with themselves through whatever loopholes and self serving decisions they can.

In principle I’ve no problem with MP’s having second jobs if it was regulated properly. However can’t see how there couldn’t be conflicts of interest or have any faith the regulations would be enforced.

[Kato]

However can’t see how there couldn’t be conflicts of interest or have any faith the regulations would be enforced.


....and when the regulations were to be enforced they attempted to do away with them, which is where we came in.


The sense of entitlement is huge in this Govt. Having "got Brexit done" they think the carcass of what's left is theirs to divvy up.



Sent from my SM-A405FN using Tapatalk

[Ozyhibby]

As a contractor it does seem one rule for them and another for the rest of us. It’s fine to target contractors with IR35 in March last year and follow it up with no support during Covid for the few million contractors in the UK who were forgotten about. All while trying to milk as much as they can get away with themselves through whatever loopholes and self serving decisions they can.

In principle I’ve no problem with MP’s having second jobs if it was regulated properly. However can’t see how there couldn’t be conflicts of interest or have any faith the regulations would be enforced.

We’ve tried regulating it, it doesn’t work. We need a complete ban.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Keith_M]

Could the OP change the title to Corrupt UK Politicians?

There's just so much scope it seems a shame to restrict it to one wee nyaff like Ross.

[GRA]

DRoss is the embodiment of the archetypal Tory. Smug, self-absorbed and thinks he's above everyone else. Crap linesman as well, have a look at Kamberi's disallowed goal against Elgin back in 2019!

The past couple of weeks have shown 2nd jobs should be banned for MPs. Clear conflicts of interest going on, especially for MPs in safe seats who are more focussed on ways to line their pockets rather than their own constituents!

[Glory Lurker]

DRoss is the embodiment of the archetypal Tory. Smug, self-absorbed and thinks he's above everyone else. Crap linesman as well, have a look at Kamberi's disallowed goal against Elgin back in 2019!


Called a Hearts goal offside at the money spinning replay. He's alright with me!

[WhileTheChief..]

Agreed. It needs to be black and white to not allow these sleazy ********s the wiggle room they clearly have at the moment.

MP's earn £80,000 a year plus benefits that far outweigh what the average person in this country receive. If that's not enough then they should find alternative employment.


The average person doesn't face a popularity contest to decide if they can keep their job every few years though.

[Kato]

The average person doesn't face a popularity contest to decide if they can keep their job every few years though.No one is obliged to seek the position of MP. Its not a career.

Sent from my SM-A405FN using Tapatalk

[Pretty Boy]

Why did the bill proposed by Neil Findlay to ban MSPs holding certain 2nd jobs fail?

Given the almost unanimous condemnation of the Tories from all but their own it seems it should have been a slam dunk in Holyrood.

[Smartie]

Why did the bill proposed by Neil Findlay to ban MSPs holding certain 2nd jobs fail?

Given the almost unanimous condemnation of the Tories from all but their own it seems it should have been a slam dunk in Holyrood.

Condemnation is all well and good but when push comes to shove, how much do politicians REALLY want to restrict the earning potential of politicians?

[degenerated]

No one is obliged to seek the position of MP. Its not a career.

Sent from my SM-A405FN using TapatalkAnd they get a fairly tidy lift on losing their seat as well.

[hibbyfraelibby]

The SNP are mired in the expenses rip off themselves, as are every party, they're all a bunch of hypocrites.

Source? Or just making it up?

[degenerated]

Source? Or just making it up?I've searched but can't see anything.

[Kato]

Seemingly the press have been sitting on a lot of this information for a while, alleged Christian, Rees-Mogg's shady loans being the most high profile one with more to come on him.

I wonder what else they know about and aren't sharing. The denial that the UK is not a corrupt country seems like a very Freudian statement to come away with.

How does it look when the same people who lied about Brexit and hid behind patriotic statements turn out to be using their office to line their own pockets when they are sponsored by people from a hostile nation....

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/quarter-boris-johnsons-cabinet-took-25123091

..and that the City of London's separate tax status is used to facilitate the "global laundromat"....

https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/economics-and-finance/london-the-money-laundering-capital-of-the-world


"documents show that between 2010 and 2014, British registered companies and British-based banks helped move out of Russia at least $20bn of the proceeds of criminal activities".



Each component looks bad enough but string them together and this Govt looks as corrupt as any in the world.

Meanwhile the "ordinary people" are subject to austerity and the "benefits of brexit", i.e. the brunt of it.

Still, wave a flag and bow to the Lady with the Metal Hat and everyone just shuts up.

Sent from my SM-A405FN using Tapatalk

[Hibrandenburg]

Source? Or just making it up?

You're not allowed to question deeply held beliefs.

[lapsedhibee]

Still, wave a flag and bow to the Lady with the Metal Hat and everyone just shuts up.


Here's a man with a murky past

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/nov/16/prince-andrews-15m-loan-paid-off-by-firms-linked-to-tory-donor-report

(and Andrew's isn't much better).

[Kato]

Here's a man with a murky past



The murkiest of all murks. I met his wife while she was with us. Lovely, warm humorous, posh lady who had the great gift to pull the wool from her eyes.

Sent from my SM-A405FN using Tapatalk

[Smartie]

Here's a man with a murky past

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/nov/16/prince-andrews-15m-loan-paid-off-by-firms-linked-to-tory-donor-report

(and Andrew's isn't much better).

"A property magnate and banker, Rowland has donated more than £6m to the Conservatives over recent years."

The Guardian still prone to the odd typo, I see.

[Lendo]

https://news.stv.tv/entertainment/douglas-ross-and-wife-willing-to-be-part-of-gogglebox-tv-show?top

I wonder if he’ll remember and declare his earning when he appears on Gogglebox.

Ive never seen Gogglebox and I likely never will but from the car crash videos Douglas Ross does on Twitter I can only imagine this will be just as bad.

[Lendo]

Here's a man with a murky past

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/nov/16/prince-andrews-15m-loan-paid-off-by-firms-linked-to-tory-donor-report

(and Andrew's isn't much better).

I don’t really get how being rich works anymore.

Prince Andrew is rich but takes out a loan for an obscene amount of money. That loan is then paid off for him by another individual who is also equally rich.

[Ozyhibby]

Tories have just voted to keep the 2nd job gravy train going. Not sure how the Scottish Tories voted yet.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Pretty Boy]

Surely we can sort this out in Scotland for MSPs? I posted earlier a members bill had been rejected previously calling for certain 2nd jobs to be banned.

If Labour, the SNP, Greens and Lib Dems are all unanimous in their condemnation of the situation at Westminster then let's lead the way up here. There are 45 MSPs with 2nd jobs across all parties.

Surely this is a situation in which actions speak louder than words. 'They do it so why should we be any different' doesn't cut it.

[degenerated]

Surely we can sort this out in Scotland for MSPs? I posted earlier a members bill had been rejected previously calling for certain 2nd jobs to be banned.

If Labour, the SNP, Greens and Lib Dems are all unanimous in their condemnation of the situation at Westminster then let's lead the way up here. There are 45 MSPs with 2nd jobs across all parties.

Surely this is a situation in which actions speak louder than words. 'They do it so why should we be any different' doesn't cut it.Is it within the competence of the Scottish parliament to do so? Cause sure as night follows day the Tories would challenge it.

[ronaldo7]

https://twitter.com/bbcdebatenight/status/1461109012091518976

Clear and to the point.

[Lendo]

https://twitter.com/80_mcswan/status/1462694840907403268?s=20

Now is claiming parking expensive and train travel (on the same) for his referee work.

[lord bunberry]

https://twitter.com/80_mcswan/status/1462694840907403268?s=20

Now is claiming parking expensive and train travel (on the same) for his referee work.
Given how vociferous he was when calling for the first minister to resign, he’d have to be a complete hypocrite not to resign now. I wonder if he also billed the SFA for the same expenses.

[degenerated]

https://twitter.com/80_mcswan/status/1462694840907403268?s=20

Now is claiming parking expensive and train travel (on the same) for his referee work.How is it he managed to get his dodgy expenses claim in on time but forgot to register his interests for the same extra job in time.

It might only be a hundred quid but it's still theft from the public purse to sit alongside breaking parliamentary rules.

[Skol]

I’ve not read any reports on this but if true he has to go.

[Kato]

Forgetting and remembering about the same thing when it suits him. Aye right.

Sent from my SM-A405FN using Tapatalk

[hibsbollah]

I’ve not read any reports on this but if true he has to go.

It will be a bonus for the Scottish Tories if he does have to go. He’s deeply unlikeable and a vote loser.

[degenerated]

It will be a bonus for the Scottish Tories if he does have to go. He’s deeply unlikeable and a vote loser.I'm not so sure, I reckon Andrew Bowie is just as odious as Ross but with a smugness that would render him even more unpopular.