David Burrowes MP statement about website complaint

Having been informed by the local press on the afternoon of Monday 14th December that there was an investigation into my website by Parliamentary authorities I immediately contacted Parliament's Operations Director. I was informed that a complaint had been made last month but no investigation had taken place to date. I insisted that an investigation take place immediately. I was later that same day informed that there were 6 sentences in news items in the website over a period of 4 and 1/2 year period which needed amending and one article about campaigning which needed removing.

The following sentences required amending for being too party political:

17/7/09 Rain tax

Delete "While Labour Ministers sit on their hands.. "

1/4/09 Boris boost

Delete "Boris has lived up to his campaign pledge.. "

23/03/09 £17,000 debt

Delete "We need a change of Government to get to grip with public finances and drive down debt."

11/9/08 CFH A&E

Delete "It's a copy and paste decision by this Labour Government who are intent on imposing their nationwide policy of centralising A&E and maternity services"

20/02/08 Obesity

Delete "super nanny" delete 'Labour’

Parliamentary Expenses 07/08

Delete 'I believe DC has shown considerable leadership pointing out..’

David Burrowes MP said "I have always sought to take care to ensure my website complies with the rules prohibiting overt party political campaigning. I was pleased to take prompt action to amend my website following advice from Parliamentary authorities to deal with the 6 sentences which were found to have overstepped the thin line between communicating how I have been holding the Government to account which is a legitimate public expense and party political comment which is not."