One rule for Labour, different for Tories!

10:02am Thursday 27th March 2008

Comments (1)   Have your say »

AM I the only one confused by what seem to be double standards when politicians appear to behave badly?

During the Blair Years and the Cash for Peerages saga, we were regularly informed of police activity. Indeed, the Prime Minister himself was interviewed, large amounts of police time and public money was spent and though no charges were ever brought, an impression was given of political corruption and the need for police involvement.

More recently, Peter Hain seemed determined to stay in office despite apparent errors in accounting for funds during the election for deputy leader of the Labour Party, until criminal charges were mooted. Immediately he was forced to resign, with all the subsequent humiliation for him and the Prime Minister.

However, when a leading Conservative backbencher was found to have paid one, possibly two sons, large amounts of taxpayers' money for doing nothing, activity which many would consider criminal, what is his punishment? Ten days of no Parliament and after initially supporting the MP, eventual withdrawal of the whip by a reluctant Mr Cameron! Where is the police involvement or investigation of possible criminal behaviour?

I am not a supporter of either of the two main parties but I do believe in fair play. Is it possible there is one law for the Left and quite a different one for the Right?

JOHN DUNN, Simon de Montfort Drive, Evesham.