Lords Controversy links to Jack Straw

It surprises me that this story has not received more coverage.

It is being alleged that Jack Straw received a cash gift from one of the Lords wrapped up in the current scandal. I suppose that this is a case of people putting two and two together and deciding what the answer is - but it certainly warrants further investigation and, thus far, has received little coverage.

One other thing that disappoints me about the scandal that surrounds the House of Lords is that it is being used as an excuse for further reform. We are where we are in terms of the status of the Lords as a result of New Labour's changes. What evidence is there to suggest that more meddling from this Government will make things better. Indeed, the evidence of the last 12 years is surely that the more New Labour meddle, the worse things get.

House of Lords: Now find something that works

So it looks like there is going to be a 100% elected House of Lords.

The challenge now is to find a solution that works for our political system. A system where party politics becomes the mainstay of both elected chambers, where party politics and a political whip does not become a barrier to common sense and where the delivery of practical solutions is not impeded by passion for power.

I am afraid that House of Lords reform will harm our system even further, there is much positive to be said for how the Lords works now, and any change should have been based around a review of the entire system instead of just through looking at one section of politics in isolation. It is my opinion that this reform will heighten frustration with politics, not lessen it.