Sharpe's Opinion
Friday, 15th May, 2009
Paul Staines, Toby Young and Peter Oborne to Form A New Political Party?
Toby Young in Coffee House.
It’s not inconceivable that more than one independent could get elected, so great is the public’s disenchantment with the Parliament of Whores. In fact, how about an alliance of 25 independents all standing under the banner of making the House of Commons and its affairs more transparent? Expense claims instantly accessible on the Internet, webcams in all the bars, electronic tags on MPs to trace their whereabouts during debates, random breathalyzer tests, etc. If the next General Election results in a hung Parliament, the Anti-Sleaze Party could make adopting these measures a condition of winning its support. Who knows, Stuart Wheeler might even be persuaded to finance a modest campaign.
I think this sounds like a fantastic idea (except for the hung parliament bit – seems sleazy) Of course, the problem would be that nobody truly against sleaze would want to be associated with the Palace of Westminster…
Comments
Couple that with a halls of residence for those who must come a long way and I have no problem with that plan, Tizzy.
However, those who have not necessarily broken the law but have most definitely taken the piss, I think, ought to at the very least be forced seek re-selection by their constituency parties.
Also, the ‘system’ may be to blame, but the MPs made their own Green Book. They made the system, they didn’t reform it when they had the chance; they are to blame.
You mean Toby Young. If you know anything about his history, you’ll find it incredible and hilarious to think he could become a disciplined member (or even founder) of a coherent party. And I say this as a big fan.
You are right of course. Updated. Freudian Slip.
I absolutely agree it would be hilarious. But I’m not sure that makes it a bad thing 
I’m a big fan of hilarity…
Sorry, you misunderstood me. I’m all in favour. Incredible hilarity is always to be welcomed, especially in the dismal and benighted realm of politics. It would contribute enormously to the gaiety of the nation.
This is getting way out of hand. Are we supposed to be sharpening our pitchforks? As I recall, this gvt predicted a summer of riots and have made the necessary precautions.
A lot of the published claims, in themselves, are silly but were not exactly discouraged. I’m passing on those, including the massaging chair and moat; that’s for the Speaker and his coterie to sort out.
I have long supported a decent wage for MPs – c.£125K, staff on the HoC – and stop all expenses. Tough if you live outside London: you wanted the gig, and the further away from London, the further your money goes. Plus, your first job is toward your constituents, anything else is secondary. That goes for the PM down (or up?).
The system, as usual, is primarily to blame and that is typical of this gvt. Those who have clearly broken the law should be prosecuted, then we might avoid the violence predicted by the gvt.
ladytizzy
May 15, 2009 at 11:09 pm