Friday, May 29, 2009
Arden Forester
Conservative MP Bill Cash has said he does not intend to stand down over his expenses claims for rent on a "second home" owned by his daughter.
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Cash for Cash
Bill Cash is a decent bloke. He is well-versed in the crazed goings-on in the European Union and how they affect parliamentary sovereignty. It would be a sad day if he has to go. The whole culture of maximising allowances has affected the minds of MPs. Divorced from reality on occasions they have behaved more like boys in a public school being told the tuck shop is under new management and that far more will be on offer. It is certainly not like Gordon Brown's reference to a gentlemen's club, which would never allow such behaviour.
Bill Cash reportedly claimed £15,000 on expenses to rent a London flat from his daughter - despite owning one which was closer to Parliament. David Cameron says he has "very serious questions to answer" about his expenses. That is true. However, it appears all that is happening is some are getting different messages. Transparency and truth is required, but MPs also should have fairness in the way they are dealt with. It shouldn't be on a basis of "if your face fits".
If only they hadn't been so ostrich-like and had realised that such actions would inevitably come to light one day.
Bill Cash reportedly claimed £15,000 on expenses to rent a London flat from his daughter - despite owning one which was closer to Parliament. David Cameron says he has "very serious questions to answer" about his expenses. That is true. However, it appears all that is happening is some are getting different messages. Transparency and truth is required, but MPs also should have fairness in the way they are dealt with. It shouldn't be on a basis of "if your face fits".
If only they hadn't been so ostrich-like and had realised that such actions would inevitably come to light one day.
Goodbye to the Wintertons
It was surprising that Sir Nicholas Winterton and his wife Ann, both Conservative MPs, have obliged the leader and decided to spend more time their family. They could not "maintain the hectic pace" of political life, so have stepped down. Many will not mourn their passing. However, I think that all political parties that consider they are fit for government need a few mavericks on the backbenches. If the Conservative party is just going to be modernisers and model yes men, then it will be a poorer party for it.I've never had the opportunity to forget Sir Nicholas, as some years ago I met him on a by-election campaign. I do not remember who he was helping but he came up to the group I was with and proceeded to shake us by the hand. Shake is probably not the right word. It was more like putting your hand in a vice. My knuckles met my finger tips in some kind of early civil partnership. I was left smarting and reeling as he glad-handed my friends, who appeared to be made of sterner stuff.
