Wednesday, 23 September 2009

Shock! Ounce of integrity left in government...

Well not any more because he has quit, but it did come as a surprise that a member of this Labour government actually showed some spine:

Prime Minister
10 Downing Street
London
SW1A 2AA
23 September 2009

Dear Gordon

It is with considerable personal regret that I find myself writing to inform you of my decision to resign my positions as PPS to several ministers, principally the Solicitor General.

My decision comes about because as an aide to the Law Officers, whilst I have great personal regard for the Attorney General, I cannot support the decision which allows her to remain in office.

In my view the facts of the case do not matter. It is the principle which counts, particularly at a time when the publics' trust of Whitehall is uncertain to say the least. We have to be seen to be accountable. In addition, could I just mention matters of policy where I believe leadership is vital.

On the constitution: We must legislate to offer a referendum on how we elect Members of the House of Commons. We must finish off reform of the House of Lords. Generally, I would urge you to move as quickly as possible to withdraw from Afghanistan and to signal a change in our position over Trident replacement.
Finally, on the economy, the Government is to be congratulated upon its clear-sighted and effective response to the downturn. You have my continued support in your resistance to David Cameron's myopic and siren calls for an "Age of Austerity".

My constituents benefit greatly from using our much-improved public services and they would not wish to see these jeopardised nor have our continued economic recovery put in doubt.

With best wishes

Yours sincerely

Stephen Hesford MP


It trails off toward sycophantic whining at the end but the first three paragraphs are killer. Well well well, are there more of these curious and rare noble beasts lurking on the government benches?

Maybe they should all start resigning in the run up to conference...

4 comments:

Disco Biscuit said...

Interesting that, rather than resign over the issue itself, he explicitly attacks Brown's response to Cleanergate: "I cannot support the decision which allows her to remain in office"

Tory Bear
said...

indeed. it's a direct attack on the big man. good man

Walsingham's Ghost
said...

Stephen Hesford MP?

Who he? Ed.

Anonymous said...

Mp for Wirral West. Holding onto a majority of around 100 in the face of a smashing Tory campaign.

He's toast.

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