Jon Snow
It seems Speaker Michael Martin may survive the initial fallout from the expenses scandal and the controversial manner in which he has chosen to deal with it. But my sources tell me even if this initial attempt fails, his days may be numbered. My hunch would be to watch for a peerage. And so the…
“Good governance is based on three things – capability, responsiveness and accountability,” the Department for International Development (DfID) declares on its website. The government department which funds anti-corruption programmes in developing countries goes on to say that it uses this assessment, as well as “promoting good governance and transparency, and fighting corruption – to make…
If MPs were forced to repay some of the more ridiculous expense claims, a few might join the ranks of Britain’s growing personal insolvencies. MPs that go bankrupt are forced to forfeit their seat. Is this what is meant by politically bankrupt?
Jon Snow
MPs have only themselves to blame. They have had decades to sort themselves out and bring themselves, first, into the 20th century, and latterly, into the 21st century. Their expenses regime, which they alone vote on, brings politics into considerable disrepute. Unfortunately for her, Jacqui Smith, the home secretary, has been the fall guy.