Tories to hold open primary

Thank goodness. I thought it would never happen. Who's betting Carswell and Hannan are off having a celebratory glass of Pimms, too?

In Totnes, the Conservatives are due to hold 'open primaries' similar to that of the United States, whereby the party will nominate several candidates to run in the General Election for the constituency- and the voters of said area will choose whom is to run. (Bad sentence? 9am? Terrible tube journey? You betcha.)

KeepRightOnline don't want to repeat the BBC News on this, so have a look for yourself. The end product really is a push toward a more 'direct democracy'. A key catchphrase that's been thrown around Westminster for a while now. KRO are proponents, and we're pleased that this is being rolled out. Greater representation is a great thing and no doubt this will invoke more transparency into the political system, should all parties opt in.

If not?

Well let's hope the Tories keep at it, as I preempt this will establish much more involvement and trust from the public toward the party.

What do

    you
think?

325 MPs face the chop- good!

The Times this morning has reported that up to 325 MPs will be replaced in the run up to a General Election this year (or next), with up to 90 being voted out and perhaps 230 resigning. That's some good maths, Rupert.

How many ever should choose to go with dignity, or go with democracy- the question must be raised, "Just how many MPs do we need?" The US House of Representatives administers a population six times that of the United Kingdom, with just 435 members. We have 646. Many may argue that this is possible due to the powers that local authorities in the US have, and that's another argument. Safe to say that it works, though- and a more "Direct Democracy" would go a long way in our fair country.emptyhoc

Hannan and Carswell illustrate in the The Plan how an enlarged Commons only serves to shaft the taxpayer, as this bloats the executive with too many portfolios, unnecessary legislation and MPs clutching at straws to justify their salaries.

"As long as most MPs want to be ministers, Parliament will be a creature of the majority Whips, and will fail in it's chief function, namely to hold the government to account... We should create more opportunities for parliamentary advancement, so that it again becomes possible to have an honourable career as a parliamentarian without aspiring to ministerial office."

Well, we knew it was coming...

Late last night, the Telegraph reported details on the Tory expenses situation, laying down Michael Gove, Andrew Lansley, Alan Duncan, David Willetts, Oliver Letwin, Francis Maude, Chris Grayling and Cheryl Gillan as potential offenders in this debacle.

David Cameron has announced his feelings on the matter, that all MPs should apologise for their misdemeanours- but to what end? An apology is welcome, but a solution it is not. Mind you, it's a good move from the Labour lot who refuse to apologise and hide behind their futile cries that, "It's in the rules!"

We suggest a swift reform in this case, but it can't stop at Parliamentary expenses, the whole system is broken. Once upon a time Britain was an examplar of anti-corruption (believe it or not) and to return to those days would empower both ministers and the electorate once more.

What are our suggestions? Well, we suggest you take a read here.

For the time being, something ain't right.