We all know that if any Labour minister resigns over any scandal, it won't be long before they are back again, Blunkett and Mandelson being the classic examples. This makes a mockery of government accountability. It feels like Labour are laughing at us with their resign-now-return-later approach. There has even been talk of Blunkett returning yet again! What can be done to ensure that a resignation or sacking really does mean an end to that person's career?
This is something you genuinely can blame the media for. We've had too many cases where disgraced individuals have been undeservedly 'reinstated' in chat-shows so that they can regain a 'presence' and take up where they left off.
Could the future Conservative government not produce legislation to ensure that disgraced ministers cannot come back at a later date? If this became parliamentary law it would at least stop the practice. This Labour government have made a mockery out of political integrity. No wonder people don't want to vote anymore.
TonyM, I think you might get a rash of ministerial tribunal cases. It's pretty certain that many ministers are persuaded to 'go quietly' on the understanding that their career will get a boost later.
So are there no Tory ministers who resigned or were sacked and later got another Government job?
Such things are par for the course and I see no evidence that it is worse now than it ever was. There is no need to invent things on which to attack the Government, they are giving plenty of opportunities for criticism on real events.
But I will be incredibly sad to see Blunkett come back... I see Byers is also lurking about.
I think though that something has to be done about the ludicrous kicks up the jacksies given to such as Estelle Morris (Made a dame because she had the integrity to go to TB and say that effectively she was not up to the job) and that evil self opinionated individual getting a sinecure as trade commissioner.
I also think the tactic of branding the Government sleazy will not help the Tories one little bit. There is some time to go before another election and, if this tactic persists, it will bring up inevitable comparisons with sleaze in the Conservative Government, which is still fresh in the minds of older voters. At best, this may well result in voters branding politicians as "all the same" and more disaffection at the polls. At worst it will be seen as a "kettle calling the pot" situation.
Stick to attacking policies and facts, no need for spin. There is no evidence that the latest 'secret' donations were quid pro quo yet and this tactic could backfire.
Yep, pass the ball to these youngsters still in short pants and they soon lose it under the sideboard. Ever since the youth cult came in with Blair it's been nothing but dirty nappies and cock-ups.
Yorkie, Just a horrible thought, Do you think TB isn't in the background somewhere maneuvering so that some how they dump GB and install the really short panted Millibandwidth?
That is truly the horriblest thought you've has for some while, jonjii. TB certainly hasn't been giving much time to sorting out the Middle East if the Annapolis farce is all he has to show for it. So he must be up to something...
yeh but who could he! instal worth having for a cabinet or would work under him....... no! let them bring back Cock up Clarke, Plancker Plunkit Nasty reid and not forget bufoon PRESCOT....
