IF you are like me, you will have found the political crisis over MPs' expenses in turn appalling, depressing and infuriating.
I take my share of responsibility as an MP for failing to give sufficient priority to sorting out the system.
Equally, I know that not just my colleagues in the Labour Party but MPs from other parties are motivated by what they can put into pub
lic service, not what they can get out.
I came into politics because of my beliefs about how to improve the country. That is what motivates me. I believe the same is true for the vast majority of MPs.
The current system is the product of years of ad hoc changes in parliamentary office and accommodation costs, as well as pay. They need to be looked at properly and in the round.
As the Prime Minister has said, now is the time to change the system and get it right once and for all.
For the first time it will no longer be ultimately accountable to MPs: self-regulation does not work. I don't mind what the system is, as long as it is clear, open and transparent.
I know that I have only ever claimed for costs – not profit – associated with my house in South Shields or my office and staff in Westoe Road.
Everything I have claimed for has been agreed by the fees office of the House of Commons, as these are the people who authorise payment.
I am happy for all claims to be independently scrutinised, and, of course, pay back any wrong claims.
As for tax, I hired an expert to ensure that the forms were filled in correctly, and all tax paid.
Over the last eight years some people in town have agreed with me, others disagreed.
But we have always had discussion on the basis of real concerns that respects both sides. I want it to continue that way.
I do my work because of what I think is right, not because of the expenses system.
This government is driven forward by a clear vision for the future of South Shields and our country.
Protecting people in the recession, improving opportunities for children and families, improving the lives of the elderly, and promoting a strong Britain abroad.
Those are Labour values put to good effect. In South Shields it means child benefit of £1,000 a year, not £500.
It means more teachers, not declining recruitment. It means new jobs even in a recession.
But all those things need a strong political system underpinned by public trust.
I'm under no illusions that our democracy has suffered a very bad blow.
The biggest losers from the loss of faith in politics will be the people who depend on politics to give them opportunity and protection.
Reform means more openness and transparency, a more accountable House of Commons, but also much more power in the hands of local government and local people.
The great cities and town halls of Britain should be driving our communities forward.
New Labour has made a start – not just in Scotland, Wales and London but also through general powers for local government and increased flexibility – but needs to go much much further.
Talking to people on the streets last week I felt there was a lot of sadness as well as anger.
Our democracy is precious. The answer is not an assault on the principle of active government as the Tories seem to propose.
The answer is major reform. Starting with sorting expenses. And never forgetting what we were elected to do.
