Earlier this evening I was adding items to my Facebook page about David Laws, Chief Secretary to the Treasury. The articles referred to his excellent performance in the House of Commons, his intellectual qualities and mastery of his brief.
Then all hell broke loose on the Internet as the Daily Telegraph published an article about Laws stating he had paid £40,000 of public money to his partner for accommodation. Laws response is that he will pay the money back. However his argument that his partner really isn't his partner within the expenses rules are those of a man squirming on a hook.
However it is important to note that there is no evidence that David Laws paid anything other than the market rate for the accommodation. The reason he gives for not taking action earlier to repay the money is that he wanted to protect his privacy concerning his sexuality. Unfortunately in so doing incomplete information was given by Laws to the Commons staff dealing with expenses.
It is unfortunate to put it mildly that one of the star performers of the new government has been caught up in the expenses quagmire. The quandary facing Clegg and Cameron is what to do next. Clegg fought the election on the grounds that the Liberal Democrats were squeaky clean on the expenses issue. Cameron sacked MPs for what might be considered piffling indiscretions when set against what Laws has done.
Difficult decisions. My view is that Laws should not have allowed himself to get into this position but, given the overall circumstances, he should NOT be hounded out. Whether his parliamentary colleagues, the press or public opinion will be as generous we shall see.
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