WITH a stroke of a thick black pen, MPs this week wrote themselves into Britain's history books as the most reviled collection of shysters, chancers and tax-dodgers ever to disgrace Parliament.

It is difficult to imagine that even this bunch could make matters worse.

Yet the sneering insult of blanking out the evidence of their own greed, when they promised openness for so long, finally killed off any vestige of respect for the Commons. They presided over a complete disaster.

Even the sparse information that has emerged reveals fresh abuses of trust.

We can only hope that those MPs guilty of criminal behaviour finish up in the dock. Then jail.

But at the heart of any solution to this desecration of democracy should be tomorrow's election of a new Speaker. A great figure to command universal respect.

Sadly, the candidates form a pretty unimpressive list. The House appears hell-bent on making another disastrous choice when it is vital to restore the integrity and credibility the Palace of Westminster has lost.

Meanwhile, Gordon Brown says he could walk away from all this, though he tells us today he will lead Labour into the election.

He still might step down - and he may not be the only one.

Don't rule it out.

It's Judgement Day

THE conduct of judges must be beyond reproach. But the behaviour of Gerald Price QC falls far short of any minimum standard.

Allowing his rent boy lover unfettered access to three Crown Courts is scandalous enough. Brazenly seating Christopher Williams on the bench beside him is outrageous.

So long as Judge Price continues to preside it is an affront to justice.

He must leave the Bench. Or be removed.

• Rent boy judge in dry dock

This article has 0 comments