I have just been on LBC 97.3 talking to Iain Dale re this – in my opinion, yes he should have as he was not entitled to the expenses.

As one of Iain’s bloggers on his election night show, I was commentating on David’s resignation from a social media point of view. It has been interesting to note the number of Labour Twitterers who are condeming his expenses claims (although they have short memories re their own MP’s expenses claims) and conversely, the number of Tory twitterers who are supporting David and expressing their sorrow in his decision to resign.

Would the position be different if Labour and LibDem where in a coalition? Probably they would be singing a different song, but this is politics and they are making what little gains they can.

David Laws did the right thing in referring his expenses to the Parliamentary Standards Commisioner as from 2006, the regulations governing second homes expenses changed and he was no longer entitled to claim this particular expense.

The ‘outing’ of David was unfortunate. Should this have happened? No. His sexuality has nothing to do with his ability to perform as an MP and I feel that private life is just that – private.

It would appear that he will probably be back in the cabinet in the near future though. I think he has retained the confidence of his peers (within the coalition that is – not sure about the Labour MP’s- they are too busy trying to find a new leader, god help us!)

As for any MP’s who end up in the same position as David Laws – look, listen and learn. There is NO room for expenses scandals in this government and any other MP’s should follow his example and stand down from their cabinet/shadow cabinet positions.

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