DOWNING STREET SPECIES

On the yellow brick road to and during the political journey with visits
to Downing Street it became clear that the New Labour Government could
not organise a drinks party in a brewery and Cherie got that particular
message from me. Whether she passed that opinion onto Tony Blair I will
never know. The MP species across the political spectrum were quick to
point the fi nger of blame for the full economic disaster facing the UK in
2010 and beyond. Yet as representatives of the people since 1997 all 650 or
so MPs collectively had an ongoing duty of care. A duty to hold to account,
to question, highlight and seek to address mismanagement of the economy/
public services on behalf of their constituents. Massive job losses and cuts
in services and community support are presented as the result of the past
New Labour Government policies. Coalition scrutiny of the country's
balance sheets and liabilities appearing as revelations. The damage done
presented by the coalition as newly discovered although having 13 years of
opportunity to hold the Government to account. 13 years to scrutinise the
books, to challenge, to utilise value for money reviews and audit commission
investigations.