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Standards and Privileges

My understanding is that that occasionally happens under the present arrangements, when Members find that—either in knowledge or in ignorance—they have recruited someone who may not share their political viewpoint. Even in families, however, there are sometimes different political views—not, of course, in the right hon. Gentleman's family, as I know that his family members who have expressed their views have the same view as his. I do not resile from my position, however. It would be unacceptable to insist that we had to employ people irrespective of their political views; the employee has to be compatible with the political party, or suitable for working with a particular colleague, in the case of an independent. Otherwise, it is entirely possible to recruit on a broad basis. There are websites about working for an MP, and adverts are placed in the newspapers. It is perfectly proper to advertise in that way, and the ability to support either the individual or the party would rightly be seen as a necessary requirement of the job.