Spotlight falls on MP 'second jobs'

12 April 2012

MPs are facing intense scrutiny of their second jobs as the deadline looms for them to declare details of "moonlighting".

Parliamentarians have been raking in extra cash doing everything from advising drinks firms to crofting, according to research by the Sunday Telegraph.

Reforms coming into force from Wednesday mean they will be obliged to list hours and details of salary.

Under current rules, MPs must name all their outside employers and directorships in the Register of Members' Interests.

However, they do not have to say how long they spend on the work, and only need to give an indication of how much they are paid if the job relates to their work as an MP.

One MP, shadow transport minister Robert Goodwill, runs an eco-cemetery at his farm and occasionally digs graves.

His business is expected to make a loss this year. But the revelations, which come ahead of the publication of an official Commons list of pay and hours worked, are likely to prove most embarrassing for the highest earners.

They include former housing minister Nick Raynsford, who receives £148,000 from six private sector posts - mostly connected to housing.

Former health secretary Alan Milburn, who has announced he is stepping down as an MP at the next general election, earns at least £115,000 a year from five outside employers including Lloyds Pharmacy and PepsiCo.

More than half of the MPs with outside interests are Conservatives, but many have already announced they are giving them up ahead of the changes.

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