Sitting down, but not yet

Almost every day we hear or read of further MPs who will not seek re-election at the next General Election, but none are resigning immediately. Even the (former) Speaker has not indicated exactly when he will retire as an MP.

We know why the rash of "resignations" is occurring - unjustifiable expense claims, anger of constituents, etc., and we know why they wish to delay the actual moment for some months, and it isn't the desire to save constituency parties the costs of two elections in under 12 months. It seems to be be to maximise their own earnings and pensions! There could be another twelve months of a good income and expenses.

Some have spoken of feeling the pressure of modern parliamentary life, of having other things to do, giving more time to their family or disliking the acrimony and pressure from voters. All these reasons/excuses would suggest an early departure rather than a long drawn-out one.

Many of these have made little contribution to Westminster debates, to judge by their attendance record. What contribution will they make in the constituency as they serve out their notice? The only advantage to the party of the MP is to give a potential successor time to make himself or herself known. There is also the advantage to NuLabour of avoiding potentially damaging by-election results.

Why should disgraced or worn out and ineffective MPs be allowed to swan around Westminster for several more months to enrich themselves at our expense? There needs to be an early General Election!