Expenses reformer vows to be fair

Sir Ian said anyone could comment on proposals for reform

The man chosen to oversee the reform of MPs' expenses has said he has "no illusions" about the scale of the task.

Sir Ian Kennedy, an academic lawyer and former TV host, said a new system of allowances must be "fair and effective" and promised to listen to the public.

Sir Ian said expenses reforms would be put into force by next spring.

He is in charge of implementing the recommendations of Sir Christopher Kelly's review, which says MPs must not claim for mortgages or employ family.

The review also suggests that generous resettlement grants for MPs who voluntarily step down be stopped, to be replaced with eight weeks' pay.

'Trust lost'

Sir Ian was announced earlier as "chairman-designate" of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA), having been selected by a panel of non-politicians.

His appointment still has to be formally approved by the Commons.

MPs have already voted to leave decision-making on expenses reform to IPSA.

In a written statement, Sir Ian said: "Public faith in Parliament has been severely hit by the events of the last few months and I have no illusions about the scale of the task ahead.

This authority is independent - of Parliament, government and of any other particular interest Sir Ian Kennedy, IPSA

"It will take time and effort to earn back the trust that has been lost. MPs must be able to fulfil their important public work, both representing their constituents and fulfilling their parliamentary duties.

"We must set out a framework which allows them to do so and which reflects the concerns of the public."

Sir Ian said the reformed system of allowances must be "fair and effective, and also respond to the public's concerns".

He added: "This work is already under way, and I and my colleagues will ensure that it is taken forward with rigour, pace and objectivity, listening all the way to the public."

Sir Ian also said: "The consultation will be wide but not time-consuming. It will be free for anyone to comment, including MPs themselves.

"But let me be clear, this authority is independent - of Parliament, government and of any other particular interest - and we will be independent in drawing up the proposals and in implementing them.

"The final scheme will be ready to put into effect early next spring, so we have a new scheme, with no association with the system that has been so discredited."

'Gathering pace'

Commons Speaker John Bercow said: "We have been committed to swift action in setting up this new system and I am pleased that we have been able to select such a strong figure in Sir Ian to lead the authority without delay.

"His arrival, and the selection of board members, which will take place in the near future, show that work on setting up that new system is gathering pace."

During a Commons debate, House leader Harriet Harman revealed that Sir Ian could earn up to £100,000-a-year in his new role.

Some MPs want a vote on the expenses reform proposals, while some relatives who work for them say they will fight to keep their jobs.

Sir Ian is Emeritus Professor at University College London and chaired the Healthcare Commission from 2003 to this year.

He previously chaired an inquiry into children's heart surgery at Bristol Royal Infirmary and in the 1980s hosted several editions of Channel 4's discussion programme After Dark.