A chance to reform
‘British politics is in trouble. The anger of the past fortnight has been frightening, even a little threatening. But almost as worrying has been the morose, resigned silence of the past decade, perhaps two decades. A gulf has opened up between the governed and those doing the governing.’ – Leader, The Times
‘Gordon Brown is being urged from within the Cabinet to lead a new public debate about state funding of the parties and reform of the electoral system, to intensify the clean-up of politics after the expenses scandal.’ – Philip Webster, The Times
‘Suddenly advocates of sweeping constitutional reform have a wide and responsive audience. This is quite a novelty, almost a revolution in itself. Until a few weeks ago only a few devotees got really excited about changing the way politics worked. Now a previously arid policy area has the potential to strike a chord like never before.’ Steve Richards, The Independent
‘Everyone now claims to support political and constitutional reform. The upsurge of public anger over MPs’ expenses has fuelled demands for sweeping changes. At present, it is rather incoherent, like a Catherine wheel sending sparks everywhere. There is no clear or agreed agenda for change.’ – Peter Riddell, The Times
‘I have decided to stand for election as Speaker and this article seeks to explain my reasons. Elected in 1997, I came into the Commons to represent my Buckingham constituents and to stand up for Conservative principles. I was privileged to be given two opportunities to serve as a Frontbencher but, for all its advantages, I frequently found the experience uncongenial.’ – John Bercow, The Independent
A ‘national plan’
‘A “national plan” for Britain will be unveiled by Gordon Brown as he tries to fight back after Labour’s expected elections rout next month, The Independent has learnt.
The Prime Minister wants the blueprint to be a route map for how the Government will lead the country out of recession and extend its public service reforms. It will cover the economy, industry, health, education and crime.’ – Andrew Grice, The Independent
MPs’ expenses
‘A Tory MP has apologised for a BBC interview in which he said critics of his expenses claims were simply “jealous” of his country house.’ – BBC
‘Labour has held on to a council seat in the Salford constituency of Communities Secretary Hazel Blears, despite her involvement in the expenses row.’ – BBC
‘Mr Chapman is the first Labour MP to announce that he will quit parliament as a result of disclosures made in the Telegraph’s investigation into MPs’ expenses.’ – Daily Telegraph
Reshuffle rumours continue
‘Lord Mandelson, the business secretary, yesterday backed David Miliband to remain as foreign secretary, adding that he wanted to remain in an economic portfolio in an increasingly fraught reshuffle facing the prime minister after the European elections.’ – Patrick Wintour, The Guardian
‘Shaun Woodward, the former Conservative who crossed the floor of the House of Commons to become a Labour Cabinet minister, is being tipped by other ministers for another promotion in a reshuffle expected to take place next month.’ – Philip Webster, The Times
Lib Dem election chief to step down
‘The Liberal Democrat chief executive and election strategist will step down this autumn, days after questions were raised over his House of Lords expense claims. Lord Rennard told party members that he would quit his role for “family and health reasons” after the retirement of his wife.’ – Sam Coates, The Times