I turned to Craig Murray's blog to see what his reaction, as a former insider, was to the announcement that United Kingdom foreign aid was to be "rebranded". Instead, I find that he is yet another candidate in the by-election on July 23rd caused by the resignation of Dr Ian Gibson. As a very credible contender, no doubt fighting on a platform of human rights and for honesty in government, he is bound to take votes away from the Liberal Democrat candidate, April Pond. No doubt the Greens, with whom Joanna Lumley has associated herself, and who are strong in ...

We understand that the proposed ballot of transfer of Neath Port Talbot's council housing to a cooperative mutual has been postponed until the New Year. A special council meeting due to have been held on Friday 3rd July, which may or may not have been connected with the progress of the ballot process, was cancelled at ten days' notice. On the one hand, this may allow the "No" campaign to build up a head of steam, especially if threats to haul councillors, who back it, up before the Standards Committee are carried out. It may also threaten some grants from ...

The BBC have the full story

Journalists love to use the phrase 'to be investigated' because it gives the impression of wrong-doing without saying it and because it gives the other parties a convenient hook to latch onto to call for the person's resignation, suspension or general immolation. When at the end of a long process that often takes months, even years the person concerned is declared innocent, it is too late, the damage has been done. The accused person's reputation and career has been damaged and he or she is often exhausted both physically and financially through defending his or her reputation. The damage can ...

I am more than happy to take Sarah Palin's imminent resignation as Governor of Alaska at face value. After all it is difficult to see how this action could advance her career in anyway whatsoever. Whether there is a scandal waiting to break I do not know. We will just have to wait and see. However, I know how difficult it is to maintain a work-life balance when you are a full-time politician and I am in a very minor and insignificant league. The strain on Palin's family must have been immense and would not have been helped by her ...

The Western Mail speculates that Rhodri Morgan's departure as First Minister could see the Welsh Liberal Democrats brought into the One Wales government either shortly after the General Election or after the next Assembly Elections, to create a broad-based left-of- centre administration with widespread public support. The speculation is reinforced by the widespread perception that Plaid Cymru's Leader, Ieuan Wyn Jones is doing such a poor job as Economy and Transport Minister. A Welsh Labour strategist is quoted as saying: "There would be another advantage in bringing the Liberal Democrats in. Three of the four Plaid ministers are doing a ...