Under the carpet?

Many have pointed out that despite Brown trumpeting it over months until recently, the Queen's Speech contained no mention of legislation on MP's expenses.

After comments overnight, the government machine is now trying to defuse the situation with various vague promises.

As the Tories and LimpDems had supported the government throughout, and had both supported Sir Christopher Kelly's recommendations fully, perhaps Brown & Co saw no mileage in pursuing it.

Others seems to have suggested various possible conspiracies.

Sir Ian Kennedy, recently appointed, had expressed opposition and publicly promised to backtrack on Kelly. Did he threaten or persuade Brown to drop Kelly quietly?

Was there mutiny in the ranks of some sort, perhaps with threats of a putsch to replace Brown? Were some honourable members threatening to take legal action in order to avoid exposure, de-selection or having to pay back?

Kelly apparently proposed discontinuing part-time MPs - several sit at both Westminster and a devolved assembly/parliament. Did some or all of these put pressure on Brown?

The truth may out. On the face of it, it does seem strange. Brown had made such an issue of the whole affair, nominating an independent board, defending himself with the promise of Kelly, that to omit it suddenly defies explanation. Surely it was not mere incompetence?