Yesterday I broke a three-line whip and voted against the Government-backed Amendment on the Committee on Standard's report on Owen Paterson.
Many residents have asked what’s going on and I’m happy to explain. Beyond the headlines, I think there is a very valid argument that we need to balance the incredibly delicate and complicated Parliamentary standards system.
It is also a very difficult case to look at on a human level, following the tragic death of Owen Paterson's wife last year. Whilst I do not know Owen in person, I have genuine sympathy for what he has been, and is, going through.
Whilst I can definitely see both sides, tying-up reform of the standards system with one particular case was something I couldn’t square. I also had concerns about the retrospective element. Yesterday was just not the right time.
Oftentimes, our votes are simplified despite the nuances and technical elements behind them. I want to reassure residents that I will always do what I think is best for the Scunthorpe Constituency in Parliament.