More Horror for the Reputation of Politics
Iain Dale 10:49 AM
I have just read today's Telegraph. In some ways the allegations made against many of the MPs today are the most serious so far. I have to say it is again the Labour MPs who come out worst, but that's no consolation for anyone.
The David Chaytor case looks open and shut and Sky News are now reporting that he has had the whip suspended. Chris Bryant has some "flipping questions to answer. TheTelegraph has a large picture of him in his Y fronts above the headline: MP FLIPPED HIS CASSOCK THEN HIS HOME. Tory MP Anthony Steen hasn't got a moat, but he might as well have judging from the items he has claimed. Gerald Kaufman claimed for an £8,000 Bang & Olufsen TV (rejected) and a £1,400 imported rug, while Tam Dalyell must take the biscuit for his £18,000 for booksheles, put in only two months before he retired from the Commons. His justification? "I live in a National Trust property so I can't just buy any old tat". Nor, clearly can the taxpayer. Maybe he regarded it as the equivalent of a retirment clock. Richard Younger-Ross, a LibDem MP also seems to have some very expensive tastes in furnishings and equipment, while Tory MPs Geoffrey Clifton-Brown and Crispin Blunt come under attack for their change of properties, although it is difficult to see that they have broken any rule. And I've already covered Nadine in a previous post.
So, another day, another dozen allegations. It is quite clear that the Telegraph could keep this going for quite a few days yet. I can hardly blame them as they have now dominated the news agenda for nine consecutive days. And there will no doubt be more tomorrow.
The David Chaytor case looks open and shut and Sky News are now reporting that he has had the whip suspended. Chris Bryant has some "flipping questions to answer. TheTelegraph has a large picture of him in his Y fronts above the headline: MP FLIPPED HIS CASSOCK THEN HIS HOME. Tory MP Anthony Steen hasn't got a moat, but he might as well have judging from the items he has claimed. Gerald Kaufman claimed for an £8,000 Bang & Olufsen TV (rejected) and a £1,400 imported rug, while Tam Dalyell must take the biscuit for his £18,000 for booksheles, put in only two months before he retired from the Commons. His justification? "I live in a National Trust property so I can't just buy any old tat". Nor, clearly can the taxpayer. Maybe he regarded it as the equivalent of a retirment clock. Richard Younger-Ross, a LibDem MP also seems to have some very expensive tastes in furnishings and equipment, while Tory MPs Geoffrey Clifton-Brown and Crispin Blunt come under attack for their change of properties, although it is difficult to see that they have broken any rule. And I've already covered Nadine in a previous post.
So, another day, another dozen allegations. It is quite clear that the Telegraph could keep this going for quite a few days yet. I can hardly blame them as they have now dominated the news agenda for nine consecutive days. And there will no doubt be more tomorrow.
Posts
