Sir, – It is sad that, with the current debate about just what an MP can claim, we all seem to have forgotten the basics.

An MP is elected by constituents to serve their local community nationally and support their communities locally.

But what have we got? MPs with more than one job, earning vast amounts of money on the back of their election.

They “must” have second homes and must be able to recover every cost at our expense.

At the next parliamentary elections, my vote will go to a candidate who promises that they will not take second and third paid jobs, will claim only for their travelling expenses to Parliament, and will claim B&B for the nights spent in Westminister on parliamentary business.

I want an MP who accepts the salary for the job and acts with restraint on the question of expenses.

I do not want an MP who earns hundreds of thousands of pounds a year by not doing their job.

What I really want is an MP who will serve our community – not themselves.

STUART PARSONS, Richmond