Quote:
Originally Posted by B.A.Ware
Does this mean that our MEP's agreed not to employ there wives and if so how come Nigel employees his?
|
Yes. In October 2004 the UKIP Delegation met in Strasbourg and drew up its own rules governing employment by MEPs.
One of those rules was about wives. The Delegation unanimously agreed that no MEP should employ a spouse in any capacity. This was partly prompted by Kilroy's decision to use his wife as his PA. However Kilroy made it clear that he was not and would not pay his wife; her work was entirely voluntary.
The main reason the decision was made was to ensure UKIP MEPs were not seen as enriching their families courtesy the EU. Nigel Farage spoke out strongly in favour of this policy (ie of NOT enriching families).
At some point afterwards Nigel quietly employed his wife but surrounded this with secrecy and did not tell his group which had not reversed the rule. Please however note that it is perfectly permissible under EU rules to employ a spouse (or indeed a son).
It remains a mystery exactly what Nigel's wife does, but no doubt Mark Croucher will be able to tell us, as they talk of nothing else in his pubs.
If anyone doubts the accuracy of this information, Gerard Batten will be able to confirm it.