AN MP is to investigate just how much North West Water splashes out on its "parliamentary consultant", Conservative MP for Crosby Sir Malcolm Thornton.

The Pendle MP, Gordon Prentice, says he has been treading water in his efforts to find out just how much the private water company pays for Sir Malcolm's services.

Both parties refused to answer the question in the past, but this week's Commons vote, which will make MPs declare details of their links with firms and the cash they are paid for their services, has changed that.

The vote - which went against the advice of Prime Minister John Major - was welcomed by Mr Prentice as a triumph for openness and democracy.

It was also a major breakthrough in the move to sweep away sleaze in Parliament.

"Now MPs who get paid for consultancies, which derive directly from their membership of the Commons, will have to come clean - and not before time."

He added: "At long last the veil will begin to lift on the relationship between the water company and Sir Malcolm.

"What role did the parliamentary consultant play in all this and what advice did he offer?.

"My constituents want to know because they will be paying through the nose in due course."

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