BACL Blog

Conservative Candidate for Streatham leads the way with 10 pledges of integrity and transparency

•  I will always put your interests above party political interests.
• I will hold regular public meetings within the constituency where you can hold me to account   
• I will never use public money to employ a member of my family
• I will publish details of all my expenses as soon as they are submitted, only real transparency will restore faith in the political process 
• I will make my home in our constituency and I will not claim for any second home
• I will not use public money to distribute a party political message
• I will be realistic and reasonable when making promises to you
• I will never vote for a third runway at Heathrow, compulsory ID cards or to limit the scope of the Freedom of Information Act
• I will be approachable and understanding and always willing to listen to any constructive criticism that you may have
• I will work hard for all of my constituents regardless their political views and I will tell you my real opinions, even when I know we will disagree

Rahoul Bhansali, Conservative Parliamentary Spokesman for Streatham has today published 10 pledges of integrity and transparency for the people of Streatham to be sure that they can hold him to account.

Although he is the first Streatham Candidate to publish pledges, Rahoul has urged the other Streatham Candidates to set down the criteria by which the public can judge them if they are elected.

An important aspect of Rahoul’s pledges is to hold regular public meetings to ensure that the people of Streatham get to have their say. Rahoul recognises that the public’s anger doesn’t stop at MPs’ expenses; there is a long, deep dissatisfaction with the way that politics and power work in our country.

Rahoul’s pledges, combined with his call last week for more openness and transparency in Whitehall and Town Hall finance, signals a radical redistribution of power back to the people: from the state to citizens; from Whitehall to communities; from bureaucracy to democracy.

This is a massive, radical change. But Rahoul is certain that through decentralisation, accountability and transparency the Conservatives can take power away from the political elite and hand it to the man and woman in the street.

Rahoul said:

“I would be honoured to represent Streatham as Member of Parliament.  It would be a sincere privilege to serve and represent every person within the community. Politics has suffered in recent weeks as it has become clear that certain Members have chosen to serve themselves rather than their communities.

I believe that it is time for a change and we need change at the top. This political crisis has been caused by the politicians, so it’s not the case that politicians alone can solve it. The public have got to be involved. They have to be given a chance to voice their anger and approve of a new way forward.

As Parliamentary Candidate I want voters to be able to judge me by the pledges I have made. We need transparency in public life. If elected, I will hold regular local forums where the people of Streatham can hold me to account.” 

What do you think? Have your say. What more would you expect from Rahoul and other Parliamentary Candidates?