Just when many people thought that the Coalition government would be less prone to scandals than the previous one, at least two have come along at once in the last few days.
Conservative MP Liam Fox was forced to resign as Defence Secretary over revelations over his working relationship with an advisor, who happened to be a long-time friend.
It was reported that the advisor in question, Adam Werritty, had accompanied him on official parliamentary business trips despite not having an official job title. There have also been allegations that Fox’s friend was financially backed by a defence company.
Although Fox had earlier apologised in Parliament, the constant stream of media pressure meant that his position was untenable, and decided to quit. Many commentators have been surprised because it was felt that he had the backing of Prime Minister David Cameron.
The Daily Mirror had revealed some published pictures of another Conservative MP, Oliver Letwin, throwing important documents which were full of confidential material in a litter bin near No10. Contrary to some reports, some of the information had probably contained the concerns of Mr Letwin’s constituents rather than on issues of national security. However, this situation has caused him some considerable embarrassment. Fortunately for him, there hasn’t been any calls for his resignation yet.
There will be the usual calls from the Labour opposition for enquiries (who are not really in a position to ask for one anyway), but as always in cases like this, there will a light smack on the wrist for both men, and everything would continue as normal.
At a time when has been a constant stream of bad news ranging from the high rate of unemployment to the continued economic slump, we must repeatedly focus on what is really needed to pull the UK back from the brink of social disaster.