DOWNING STREET SPECIES

On the yellow brick road to and during the political journey with visitsto Downing Street it became clear that the New Labour Government couldnot organise a drinks party in a brewery and Cherie got that particularmessage from me. Whether she passed that opinion onto Tony Blair I willnever know. The MP species across the political spectrum were quick topoint the fi nger of blame for the full economic disaster facing the UK in2010 and beyond. Yet as representatives of the people since 1997 all 650 orso MPs collectively had an ongoing duty of care. A duty to hold to accountto question highlight and seek to address mismanagement of the economy/public services on behalf of their constituents. Massive job losses and cutsin services and community support are presented as the result of the pastNew Labour Government policies. Coalition scrutiny of the country'sbalance sheets and liabilities appearing as revelations. The damage donepresented by the coalition as newly discovered although having 13 years ofopportunity to hold the Government to account. 13 years to scrutinise thebooks to challenge to utilise value for money reviews and audit commissioninvestigations.