The Tories love David Laws. In fact, you’ll find many a Conservative Party member who rates him more highly than many on the Conservative front bench. Nevertheless, I predict some silent delight in the blue corner at the news that Laws is to be suspended over his expenses claims.
Although Laws is a capable minister in Tory eyes, he remains at the end of the day a Lib Dem; a strong one. To rehabilitate him through appointment to the cabinet would only serve to bolster the capabilities of the Lib Dems at a time when things are rapidly falling apart for them. Remember, it’s in David Cameron’s interests that the Lib Dems remain just weak enough to pose zero threat to his political agenda and just strong enough that the joint nature of the coalition doesn’t descend into an all-too transparent farce. The presence of Laws on the front bench would upset that delicate balance.
Right now Cameron has the perfect settlement: Nick Clegg’s political clout is fatally undermined by recent loses, Vince Cable remains mortally wounded as a result of his ‘nuclear option’ and Chris Huhne has seen his star fade more quickly than his car going past a traffic camera.
Right now the prime minister is sitting in Downing Street with a big smile on his face.
Comments
Dave M / May 13 2011 9:33pm
Right now - out here in real life land - Laws is seen as a thief - and a liar ! Take it from me that if Cameron brings him back into cabinet the people outside their little bubbly love in will be having a head fit !
This is nothing to do with party politics either - it is about plain old honesty and integrity in government ! It is about the right of recall Cameron promised - so that people like Laws will at least have to restand for election if enough people think he should stand down !
It is still hoped that he will get his just desserts through plod though - seeing as the politicians seem to think that seven days suspension is a harsh punishment ! In the real world - seven days off free gratis is thought of as a perk !
The only suspension that people like Laws deserve in the eyes of many out here in real life land is the half hour one following a 2 second drop one attached to a rope ! You see - as an 'honourable' member with an example to set - the penalties for taking the p1ss should be much higher than would be expected for an ordinary mortal !