Adrian's Pledge

7.09.00pm GMT Sat 14th Nov 2009

Thousands of locals commute to London every day – our MP should do the same. Adrian Collett has pledged not to claim for a second home, unlike current Tory MP Gerald Howarth

"Why should an MP who lives in this area need a second home, funded by taxpayers?" asks Lib Dem candidate Adrian Collett.

"There are six trains an hour from Farnborough and Aldershot and then a 10 minute walk from Waterloo. It couldn't be easier!

"It's clearly different for MPs representing far flung places, as they can't get home each night, but north east Hampshire? Thousands of locals commute to London every day. There's no excuse!

"I currently travel to Winchester most days for County Council or Police Authority meetings. This is about the same distance, but I don't need a second home there.

"I will be challenging Gerald Howarth at the General Election when it comes. If I am elected and given the honour of representing Aldershot, Farnborough and Blackwater in Parliament, I will not be claiming money for a second home.

"I was born in Aldershot and grew up there. I went to school in Farnborough and was a councillor there at one time. I now live in Blackwater at Darby Green.

"This area is my home and I want to continue to live and breathe local life every day, not just for visits at weekends!"