The Tooth, The Whole Tooth and Nothing But The Tooth

Has the reason for Ann Keen’s continuing silence been revealed?

Although her husband and fellow MP Alan Keen has spoken out in defence of the couple's controversial expense claims, Ann Keen has remained tight lipped on the subject.

However, according to reports, the Brentford and Isleworth MP has been experiencing issues with teeth of late which could be the reason behind her wall of silence.

Last week, charity workers were left disappointed after Ann Keen cancelled two engagements 'due to problems with her teeth'.

The MP, who is regularly criticized by constituents for non-communication, was supposed to be working behind the till at the Cancer Research store on Chiswick High Road last Friday, 29th May as part of volunteers week before meeting with representatives from campaign group Speak Out.

However, following an operation on her teeth, Ann Keen sent her apologies.

As reported on Dentistry.co.uk, a spokesman for the Brentford & Isleworth Labour MP said, "Ann was very disappointed to have had to cancel her engagements on Friday due to illness and she gave her apologies in advance accordingly.

"It's extremely rare for Ann to be off work due to illness, as she usually works from dusk till dawn in Brentford, Isleworth and Westminster, but these things do tend to sometimes happen to everyone."

Dubbed Mr and Mrs Expenses, Ann Keen and her husband, Feltham MP Alan Keen, have been condemned for their 'excessive' expense claims for their second home in Westminster, just 30 minutes away from their main home in Brentford.

Unlike his wife, Alan Keen spoke out in defence of the claims which included cinema system maintenance, double council tax claims and cleaning stating that it was the public that didn't 'understand the culture of Parliament' and that it would be 'impossible to work and make 30 minute commute every day.'

Mr Keen’s comments not only raised many an eyebrow amongst constituents, but also with the many MPs who do commute from outer London.

Immigration Minister Phil Woolas lives in Brentford, a street away from the Keens’ main home, and Environment Secretary Hilary Benn lives in Chiswick, in Ann Keen’s constituency.

June 3, 2009