Politicians in Westminster need to take a long hard look at themselves. There is no hiding place in this digital age and MPs should be in no doubt their ‘sins’ will find them out, more so than ever before. No longer will the power, privilege and an arrogant sense of entitlement protect those who determine the fate of the rest of the population from public humiliation and disgrace.
Does the British public deserve policy and lawmakers who display such flagrant disregard for common decency? No they do not. Does the British public deserve politicians who break their own laws and then lie when confronted? No, they do not.
Solution in selection
The solution may lie in the hands of local Party Selection Committees. They have the power to resist the machinations and dictates from Party headquarters, who routinely apply influence and pressure to have a favoured candidate selected. It is high time candidates were selected on merit rather than on cronyism. It was ever thus, the cynics might proclaim, but democracy will continue to be damaged and eroded if nothing is done to change how our MPs are selected and, more importantly, how they are deselected. Are any brave enough to take such radical action? Of course not. Party loyalty takes precedence over integrity.
Just suspend belief for a moment and imagine the jubilation and celebration that would erupt were the Uxbridge and South Ruislip Conservative Selection Committee to deselect Boris Johnson.
Winter of discontent
Back to earth now, but politicians should take heed. The mood in the country is changing. The fallout from Brexit is biting the economy across all sectors. Essential public services are trapped in a funding and staffing crisis. Price rises are fuelling inflation and the gap between the rich and the poor is growing wider and, as a consequence, anger is gaining momentum. Beware Westminster, as fast approaching is: ‘the winter of our discontent made glorious disaster by this House of Conservatives.‘
Despite all of this, the grubby behaviour of some politicians continues to hit the headlines. How can the British public have any confidence in a government whose members are focused more on personal gratification and financial gain than on working to solve the pressing problems the country is now facing? The situation for Boris Johnson and his cohort is becoming increasingly untenable, as recent by-elections have proved. The historic Liberal Democrat win in Tiverton and Honiton, which overturned a huge Conservative majority, clearly demonstrates the country is no longer willing to tolerate MPs or a government that displays such dubious morality.
More sleaze to come?
Be in no doubt, there are more ‘GrubbyGates’ lurking; only waiting to be exposed by some keen-nosed investigative journalist or courageous whistle-blower. It’s only a matter of time. And when they do, we must hope the ensuing public outrage will be the instrument that removes this toxic government from power before they can inflict any more damage on the hardworking people of this nation.
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