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26/05/2009
Cameron Will Reduce PM's Power
Conservative Opposition Leader David Cameron has discussed a series of radical changes his government would introduce to redistribute power at Westminster.
Mr Cameron, writing in today's Guardian newspaper, placed great emphasis on the role and functions of the Prime Minister.
He pledged to remove some of the customary "immense power" held by the PM's office, namely the ability to stave off a general election.
This could mean a fixed term time in Parliament for members, much like elected representatives in the USA and other European administrations.
Mr Cameron also said he would ensure MPs had a free vote on issues in the Commons, rather than being dictated to by the party whip.
However, the Tory leader said he would not eliminate the first-past-the-post system during elections.
Under this procedure a candidate wins their seat by getting the most votes, as opposed to gaining a majority.
"I believe the central objective of the new politics we need should be a massive, sweeping, radical redistribution of power," said Mr Cameron.
"Through decentralisation, transparency and accountability we must take power away from the political elite and hand it to the man and woman in the street."
Shadow Foreign Secretary, and effectively Mr Cameron's second-in-command, William Hague said this was the first time any party had brought forward the idea of fixed term in Parliament.
Mr Cameron said he would give more power to back bench MPs, when choosing committee chairs and members.
The Prime Minister's controversial power to use royal prerogative in order to over ride Parliament will also be looked at by Mr Cameron.
More control could also be given to local councils on matters that affect them most, such as Post Office closures.
Any public servant earning over £150,000 would also have to published their expenses claims, under Mr Cameron's plans.
However, Lib Dem Leader Nick Clegg has accused the Tory of not going far enough.
"They are saying nothing about sacking individual MPs.
"They are saying nothing about the scandal of having an unelected House of Lords who can make the laws of the land for us and they are not accountable to us."
Mr Cameron's announcement comes as the furore over MPs' expenses rumbles on into its 19th day.
(PR/JM)
Mr Cameron, writing in today's Guardian newspaper, placed great emphasis on the role and functions of the Prime Minister.
He pledged to remove some of the customary "immense power" held by the PM's office, namely the ability to stave off a general election.
This could mean a fixed term time in Parliament for members, much like elected representatives in the USA and other European administrations.
Mr Cameron also said he would ensure MPs had a free vote on issues in the Commons, rather than being dictated to by the party whip.
However, the Tory leader said he would not eliminate the first-past-the-post system during elections.
Under this procedure a candidate wins their seat by getting the most votes, as opposed to gaining a majority.
"I believe the central objective of the new politics we need should be a massive, sweeping, radical redistribution of power," said Mr Cameron.
"Through decentralisation, transparency and accountability we must take power away from the political elite and hand it to the man and woman in the street."
Shadow Foreign Secretary, and effectively Mr Cameron's second-in-command, William Hague said this was the first time any party had brought forward the idea of fixed term in Parliament.
Mr Cameron said he would give more power to back bench MPs, when choosing committee chairs and members.
The Prime Minister's controversial power to use royal prerogative in order to over ride Parliament will also be looked at by Mr Cameron.
More control could also be given to local councils on matters that affect them most, such as Post Office closures.
Any public servant earning over £150,000 would also have to published their expenses claims, under Mr Cameron's plans.
However, Lib Dem Leader Nick Clegg has accused the Tory of not going far enough.
"They are saying nothing about sacking individual MPs.
"They are saying nothing about the scandal of having an unelected House of Lords who can make the laws of the land for us and they are not accountable to us."
Mr Cameron's announcement comes as the furore over MPs' expenses rumbles on into its 19th day.
(PR/JM)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
