So Wimbledon’s MP Stephen Hammond is taking legal action against the Telegraph about alleged tax avoidance on his second home in Portugal.
This reminded me of a letter I received from him a year ago, threatening me with a libel action if I did not apologise for comments I made in Council about his tax deferral through a different form of investment. I replied, justifying my comments. I did not apologise, and I heard no more.
May I nevertheless confirm that Mr Hammond is perfectly within his rights to use any legal form of tax deferral or tax avoidance scheme he wishes.
What Mr Hammond must also accept is that his constituents are within their rights to judge whether he is the best person to represent their needs in parliament.
Wimbledon’s young people who cannot get a foothold on the property ladder may wonder if the owner of a second property in Portugal really understands their situation.
So might the struggling families who use the Foodbank on Wimbledon’s High Path Estate, because they have no money left to buy food.
This Foodbank opened a year into the current government’s “austerity” measures. As a former investment banker, Mr Hammond should be ashamed that this new kind of bank is needed in modern Britain.
My letter to Mr Hammond, a year ago, also asked if if he would publish his financial affairs in a spirit of openness, and asked what steps he himself had taken to close tax loopholes. I am still waiting for his reply.
Councillor Jeff Hanna, Merton Council (Labour, Pollards Hill ward)
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