MobileVoters: repaying the money makes no difference
11:59 | PoliticsHome Polls
It is reported today that, following its scrutiny panel’s review of expenses claims, the total amount of expenses repaid by Conservative MPs will now total £250,000.
But PoliticsHome research suggests that repaying expenses is unikely to enhance MPs’ and parties' future electoral chances.
As the expenses scandal broke, PoliticsHome conducted in-depth research which included asking a balanced sample of 1140 adults what effect repaying expenses would have on the likelihood they would vote for an MP or their party.
Over three quarters of people (seventy six per cent) said it would make no difference.
This view was held by supporters of all parties and none.
The research in fact suggests that repaying expenses may be seen as a damaging admission of guilt. The proportion saying they would me less likely to vote for an MP who repaid expenses exceeds the proportion saying they would be more likely.
Sixteen per cent of people said repaying expenses would make them less likely to vote for an MP or their party. A smaller number than this (five per cent) said they would be more likely to vote for an MP or party if they repaid expenses.
Has the fact that some MPs have repaid the money made you more or less likely to vote for them or their party in the future?
PoliticsHome interviewed 1140 adults by email between 14-15 May 2009. Results are weighted by party ID to reflect the UK at large.