David Cameron's ideas spark strong reactions in Dorset (From Bournemouth Echo)

David Cameron's ideas spark strong reactions in Dorset

6:00pm Tuesday 8th September 2009 in

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TORY leader David Cameron has prompted strong reaction across Dorset after promising to slash the cost of politics.

In his first major speech since Westminster’s summer break, Mr Cameron announced plans to cut the number of MPs from 650 to 585, reduce ministerial salaries and abolish subsidised food and drink in the Houses of Parliament.

Annette Brooke, MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, said the Liberal Democrats supported “cutting the cost of politics” including the number of MPs, but said Cameron’s proposals were “playing around the edges”.

She added: “We have got to get beyond shallow politics here and realise it is incredibly important for the future of the country that we respond to this deep recession in the right way.”

Sir John Butterfill, Conservative MP for Bournemouth West, said the number of MPs could be cut.

“It would probably mean MPs would have to employ more staff because they would be serving a greater number of constituents, and we’re all pretty busy as it is, but I think compared with other countries we seem to have a rather top-heavy situation,” he said.

He said the price of food and drink in parliament was “much higher” than in the past and should be a matter for the House itself to settle.

Chris Bulteel, Conservative councillor and current sheriff of Poole, said Mr Cameron was right in addressing Parliament’s attitude as well as finances.

He said: “Why should they have subsidised restaurants and travel? Everyone else is taking a hit now and are going to have to take even more.”

Mr Cameron also plans to cut pay for ministers and the three opposition party posts which get extra money by five per cent – equivalent to a £6,500 reduction on the Prime Minister’s current £194, 250 wage.

Poole resident Matthew Pritchard, 36, said: “These parliamentary savings are a drop in the ocean, they’re nothing. But maybe they signal an intention to be honest and are part of a realisation that greater cutbacks need to be made.”

Pete Gibbs, of Lower Parkstone, said “the price of the little things” was hurting people.

“If we are paying through the nose, why aren’t they?” he added.