ELECTION2010
Expenses MPs must be tried
Home secretary Alan Johnson yesterday said that MPs facing trial over their expenses claims should not use “parliamentary privilege” as a “get out of jail free card”. He said it was vital that Labour MPs Elliot Morley, David Chaytor and Jim Devine were treated in a similar fashion to the general public, amid speculation that the trio could argue that the principles of parliamentary privilege exempt them from prosecution.
Labour eyes April election
Gordon Brown is said to be considering a snap election in April, as the Tory lead continues to narrow. The most recent ICM survey for The Sunday Telegraph sees the Conservative lead narrowing since last month with David Cameron’s party down one point on 39 per cent, Labour unchanged on 30 per cent and the Liberal Democrats up two on 20 per cent. It is the first time the Tories have fallen below 40 since last June.
Brown weeps over daughter
Gordon Brown wept during an interview with ITV’s Piers Morgan when he was questioned about the death of his baby daughter Jennifer. Gordon Brown also admitted he had a temper, although he denied rumours that he physically assaulted a member of staff. And he spoke openly about the rift between himself and ex-Prime Minister Tony Blair, who reneged on a deal to hand over power. The interview, which is part of a plan to soften Brown’s image, will be shown next week.