https://draft.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/preview/661014602266362710/2032852699066815160
It used to be a long-standing custom that anyone who let slip anything from the chancellor's annual financial statement, deliberately or otherwise, had to walk (witness Labour Chancellor Hugh Dalton who resigned in 1947 after giving details of his budget in advance to a reporter).
Sir Lindsay's call, however silly some rules may appear, has to be good news but I fear he is urinating into a very strong headwind:
Dear Sir Lindsay,
While I welcome your call for resignations over Budget leaks in line with custom and precedent we both know you have not gone far enough.
One long-standing custom used to be that individuals who broke the ministerial code should go. David Blunkett, however, refused to go after he undertook paid work outside cabinet, in breach of the code.
Liam Fox was accused of a breach over his friendship with Adam Werritty but wouldn't walk from the Commons and our current Home Secretary refused to quit after being found in breach for bullying staff.
Peter Mandelson was forced to quit the Cabinet over financial irregularities but was then, amazingly, let back in, only to have to resign again over a second controversy.
In a house of supposedly honourable men and women honour seems to be in short supply. As a result, if MPs do take heed of your call for resignations over breaches of "etiquette" it will be a cold day in Hell. You may also well find yourself a pretty lonely bloke in the Commons. I think, as far as honour is concerned, you already are.
Still, keep on trying.
Kind regards,
Reg.
JOSH RYDER, ASSISTANT TO THE SPEAKER'S SECRETARY REPLIED THUS:
Dear Reg,
Mr Speaker has asked me to thank you for taking the time to send him your feedback, which has been noted.
With kind regards,
Josh Ryder.
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