Once again we hear of politicians who have seemingly sought to use their positions to promote themselves or benefit directly from it. I like most people would love the opportunity to have an all expenses paid trip overseas. I’m sure we would all be very flattered at the prospect of people coming seeking our involvement in their organisation. But I think there is a different standard with those in public office. I used to work for a local authority and every expense incurred that was being reclaimed had to be accompanied by receipts, business trips had to be approved in advance and there was an outright ban on taking gifts from companies who won contracts, it was a matter of gross misconduct and instant dismissal. In public office it is not enough to have clean hands you have to demonstrate you have clean hands. The most concerning thing is the attitude that somehow this is an irrelevant matter, not worth worrying about. But the issue is trust. Once trust is broken it can take a long time to be repaired and is never as strong as it was before the breach. We seem now to have a “political class” who think they can operate under a different set of rules than everyone else – they think they are the boss of us and the rules don’t apply to them. I would argue for a campaign of spoiling paper at the next election – but that way we end up with the least democratic choice. Perhaps it is time for real and radical change, it may be the only way to rebuilt trust. We could be really radical and ban all political parties and make everyone independent members – but that would mean they would have to think for themselves and some sheep just want led to the best pasture and to eat until they burst. Perhaps they need to learn that accountability is actually a good thing, it keeps feet their on the ground and more open to listen. Listen to those living on much less than a third of what they earn from being an MP before their expenses and fully paid junkets. Spending more time with those who vote than those who can advance their comfortable lifestyle and you would think that the Labour movement with its historic roots in the working class would be least likely to succumb to this, but it seems the attraction of the bright lights is too much. It is time for the prodigal sons and daughters to come home and they could take a biblical lesson, to beg for forgiveness and be willing to accept the judgement of their brothers and sisters. Humble pie is always a good addition to a diet.