Today Tony Mcnulty became the latest in a string of politicians to come under attack about the use of expenses. From my recollection, so far this year, the four Lords (Moonie, Snape, Taylor and Truscott), Jacqui Smith and Tony Mcnulty have all been at the centre of controversies regarding their use of taxpayers’ money. For 2009 they are rolling in at an average of one scandal and two individuals per month. Going back further there have been numerous other politicians from all parties at the centre of similar allegations, perhaps most notable among the recent ones is Derek Conway.
In the case of Conway, taxpayers have the small consolation that he has repaid the money, apologised “without qualification”, and been held to account by the Conservative party who have expelled him. This case was fairly clear cut and one could justifiably argue that Conway and his party had no choice but to accept responsibility in the way that they have done.
The ambiguity regarding the recent cases of Labour politicians does not make their contrasting responses any less abhorrent. So far all of the individuals involved have come up with a similar response to accusations that they have abused their positions. Rather than taking responsibility they have hidden behind the “rules”. Lord Taylor asserted, “I have followed the rules”; Jacqui Smith reassured us that here expenses where “above board”; and today Tony Mcnulty stated that, “I have complied with all the rules”. As far as I can see compliance with the “rules” is a weak defence, implying that the politicians’ standards are based solely on what they can get away with rather than doing what is right.
This raises the question as to why politicians should need rules at all. They enter into public office, accept a generous salary and, I would hope, have the character and moral compass to know how to behave in an appropriate manner. I couldn’t care less if they have (in the words of Jacqui Smith) “received assurances” from the Commons authorities that they are on the right side of the rule book. By any reasonable measure their actions are just plain wrong. Anyone outside of the Westminster bubble can see this. It is no wonder that so many are switched off by politcians who justify themselves in this way. Ministers have resorted to advising Sir Fred Goodwin to “do the right thing” of late; it’s their only option given that he has not broken any “rules”. Many of their own party would do well to follow this advice.
