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Richard Burgon introduces Bill to ban MPs from taking second jobs

LABOUR MP Richard Burgon has presented a Bill to Parliament which would ban MPs from most paid second jobs.

The proposals, unveiled to the Commons yesterday and set for a second reading next Friday, would ban MPs from taking on outside roles except in some very limited circumstances.

These include those who do front-line work in the NHS, social care or emergency services, or those who need to work to maintain existing professional qualifications, such as in nursing.

Any member in breach of the proposed rules would face a fine as well as possible suspension from the House and a recall petition.

The Bill was presented against the backdrop of the latest Tory sleaze row, sparked by former MP Owen Paterson’s breach of lobbying rules.

Mr Burgon said: “Being a Member of Parliament is a very well-paid, full-time job, but too many MPs just don’t treat it like that.

“Instead, they treat it as an opportunity to chase corporate cash through lucrative second jobs. 

“It’s time to put an end to this racket.

“If the government is actually serious about ending the rot in our politics, they should back my Bill.”

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