Why won’t John Leech MP answer basic questions?

By Michael Joslin

John Leech, the much-maligned Lib Dem MP for Withington, has quite a history of causing controversy in South Manchester. He won his election by falsely claiming that the world famous Christie Hospital would be closed and that police numbers would be reduced. Now 4 years on Christie is still here and police numbers are at record levels.

Last year in Withington a young girl was horrifically raped in a savage attack that alarmed the student community. Mr Leech’s response was to send a letter to the Women’s Officer of the University of Manchester’s Students’ Union saying that because of the noise of loud students, local residents were likely to ignore the screams of the woman. Unbelievably to this day John has refused to apologise.

Since his election Leech’s term in office can be accurately summed up as one long series of scandals. The latest scandal is just simply unbelievable. The fact that a Member of the British Parliament could be so brazenly stupid is beyond the pale. I received a leaflet through my door last week from my MP paid for by the communication allowance. On face value there seemed nothing wrong with the leaflet, simply my MP legitimately communicating with his constituents. That was until I actually read the leaflet. In it he claims to have voted for “Climate Change Laws” and “more police and better pay.”

Now a quick check of the Public Whip website proves that John Leech didn’t actually vote on the Second or Third readings of the Climate Change Bill. I couldn’t find where John has voted for more police or better pay for police either. Naturally, I was pretty outraged that my MP was putting out blatant lies using my hard earned taxes. So I decided to email John to ask him for an apology and to answer some basic questions. As you will see below he refused to answer any of my questions and said I should “get out more” and get “on your bike”. Regardless of political affiliation I think it is a disgrace that my representative in the British Parliament is making a mockery of my opinions, refusing to answer basic questions and apologise for clearly blatant lies.

I was left shaken and bemused that someone who is supposed to be my national voice simply evading my questions and refusing to be held to account for clearly not voting on one of the most serious issues of our times. Frankly I am ashamed he is my MP and I can’t wait until I have the opportunity to vote for an incredibly passionate, exceptionally talented and inspirational candidate in Labour’s Lucy Powell.

Dear Part-Time John,
I have been reading your latest Parliamentary Report, funded by taxpayer’s money, with great interest. I am highly concerned about one section in particular and I am emailing you to demand an explanation and a public apology for using public money to distribute blatant lies.

In the section entitled “John Leech MP’s voting record” it mentions that you voted strongly for Climate Change Laws. As someone who cares passionately about the environment I looked up your actual voting record on the Public Whip and it becomes clear that you didn’t vote in the Second or Third readings of the Climate Change Bill.

I am outraged that my Member of Parliament is using my money to put out blatant lies that anyone with common sense and a computer can work out in about 5 seconds. How you can have the sheer audacity to claim that you voted for the Climate Change Laws when you clearly didn’t is beyond me. You may claim to have a valid reason for not attending the vote, but surely you cannot defend lying about it?

In addition I cannot find an example of where you voted for more police and fair pay so I would be grateful if you could send me a link to the Parliamentary Bill, which according to your taxpayer funded leaflet, you voted on.

In the eyes of many people your latest behaviour goes a long way to further the concept that you are a Part-Time MP, not on the side of local people, willing to lie to improve your image and blatantly deceive the electorate. In the light of your previous gaffes such as blaming loud students for rape and sitting in the audience of the South Manchester Reporter’s Congestion Charge debate instead of take part, I am frankly ashamed that you are my MP.

Best Wishes,

Mike Joslin

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Dear Mike

You ought to get out more. But if not, have a look at “theyworkforyou.com” and compare my record on climate change with that of all Manchester’s Labour MPs. I think you’ll find that it compares pretty favourably. The independent website states “votes strongly for laws to stop climate change”

Kind regards

John Leech (Manchester’s Greenest MP)

PS http://www.theyworkforyou.com/mp/john_leech/manchester%2C_withington if you’ve got the time to have a look.

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Dear Part-Time John,

Could you tell me why you didn’t vote in the Second and Third Readings of the Climate Change Bill? I am aware that other Manchester MP’s also didn’t vote but they didn’t lie about it in their taxpayer funded leaflets for which you are refusing to apologise.

Can you tell me when you have voted for laws to combat climate change? You simply can’t because you haven’t. I find it incredibly disingenuous that you can send me an email telling me to “get out more” instead of answering the questions which I have the right to put to you as my local MP. You still haven’t answered my question about when you voted for More Police and Better Pay.

The fact that you can’t even answer basic questions or worse are refusing to, really does sum up your attitude. The fact that you are telling constituents to “get out more” when they ask you difficult questions really is a sorry indication of your ability as my local MP. I hope that this email will receive a more favourable reply but typically I fear not.

Best Wishes,

Mike Joslin

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Mike

If you asked a serious question I would answer it. Stick to what you’re good at – following Lib Dem candidates around on your bike!

All the best

John

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Dear Part-Time John,

I asked for a serious response and I didn’t get one. I find it unbelievable that despite a whole list of very serious questions about a very serious topic you are telling a constituent to get “on your bike”. Frankly I find it offensive that my Member of Parliament is telling me to get on my bike and simply refusing to answer simple questions with simple answers. However, sadly, I wouldn’t expect anything else from you.

This is the serious issue of you not voting in the Climate Change Bill and then lying about it. I am going to list a very simple set of questions that I would appreciate answers to.

1. Why did you not vote in the second or third readings of the Climate Change Bill?
2. Why did you claim you did on your Parliamentary Report?
3. Can you tell me specifically when you have voted in favour of climate change laws?
4. Can you tell me when you voted for a parliamentary bill bringing in more police and more pay?
5. Why are you taking poking fun at a constituent asking you a deadly serious question?
6. Will you apologise for lying to the electorate?

Best Wishes,

Mike Joslin

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Dear Mike

I don’t tell lies. I’m not poking fun at a constituent, merely pointing out how ridiculous your email was.

All the best

John

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Dear John,

What is ridiculous is your constant refusal to answer basic questions. I will understand if you have a legitimate reason not to have voted in the bill, but according to the public whip you appeared to have missed an entire week of Parliament and there is nothing on the Register of Members Interests for this week to indicate you were away.

Once again let me see if I can get some answers to very serious questions:

1) Why did you not vote in the second and third reading of the Climate Change Bill?

2) Where were you in the week of June when you missed a series of votes including the Climate Change votes?

3) When have you voted for Climate Change Laws, not amendments or committee stage?

4) When have you voted for more police and better pay?

5) Why are refusing to answer basic questions that have simply answers?

6) How can you justify putting out a leaflet using my taxes that says “John Leech”s voting record”, “for” Climate Change Laws and More Police and Better Pay and not prove when you actually did this? You didn’t say John Leech’s opinion, you said John Leech’s voting record.

7) How can you justify telling me to get on my bike when I’ve constantly asked you serious questions to which you refuse to answer?

Best Wishes,

Mike