I had to stifle a groan when listening to BBC radio just now. Its grave tones said that – in the wake of Thursday’s vote – there would probably be a new inquiry into MPs expenses. It’s by the committee on standards in public life, chaired by Sir Christopher Kelly. The review would strike terror into the hearts of MPs (I paraphrase).
The only problem is; so what? As one person close to the committe admits, it could come up with a highly critical report, but then what? The MPs who voted down the members’ estimate committe (MEC) are not going to vote for any other major change. Oblivious to the public mood, their heads are buried deep in the sand.
Labour are to blame (see my prior post from today).
Incidentally, the MEC are regrouping in a few days’ time to reconsider their next step. I don’t envy their dilemna.
Jim Pickard
Kiran Stacey
