Peter Kilfoyle MP made a bit of a splash in the local paper last week:

As reported he commissioned a study that called for a directly elected mayor with tax and spend power.  Kilfoyle said his aim was to “put the cat among the pigeons” and was attacking “.. a cosy local cabal”.  The study was carried out by a local Liverpool firm, KIP Research Ltd.  Guido called them up to find out more…

Guido Fawkes :  Who commissioned the report?
KIP Research : Well you obviously know.
GF : Who paid for it?
KR : How did you get my phone number?
GF : It is on your website.
KR : I’m not comfortable with this conversation, it is intrusive. [Puts the phone down.]

Guido has tried contacting Peter Kilfoyle via his offices in both his constituency and parliament.  No one there seems to know anything about the report.   Strange because the “independent” research firm is run by Lucy Kilfoyle, Peter’s daughter.  She used to be his parliamentary researcher before she set up KIP Research Ltd, offering services like, errm, “press and PR support”.

Guido wants to know:

• Did the taxpayer pay for this report?
• If so, how much did it cost?
• In what sense is it independent?

So could someone from Mr Kilfoyle’s office could get back to me, if it isn’t too intrusive, the number is 070 9284 0531…

UPDATE : Precious line in the report criticising the local authorities as a “closed and incestuous shop”.