Is “Unacceptable” Acceptable From Cabinet Ministers?

I could almost feel sorry for Gordon on this one because as much as he wriggles, he isn’t going to get away.  He has said that Hazel Blears’ conduct in flipping her second home to save £13,000 CGT was unacceptable.  She has to go.

She Has To Go

Talking about the “rules” isn’t good enough when they are clearly inadequate.  The guidelines say that expenses may only be charged when incurred “wholly, exclusively and necessarily in the course of parliamentary duties”.   That standard should now be applied as the rule.  So, Gordon, your Sky subscription including sports channels, fails that test.  A reasonable claim would be for half of the cost.

In your own interests, as well as that of Parliament and the country, there are cabinet ministers and senior Labour MPs who have to go.