The idea that one (or both - you never know what jolly “spot the difference” games they get up to) has been fondled by a LibDem is probably enough to put a lot of people off.

I've been having a look at some of the Jury Team candidates for my region (West Midlands) and came across this guy: Jeremy Spencer Who spent 15 years working for Dennis Publishing on the Editorial Directive of Computer Shopper.....

I like some of his stance, but I'd really like to roll him in with parts of other candidates, it's the same story as with the lead parties, I like some of it but would like to combine it with other bits from other parties

It looks like the number 1 candidate for our region is this guy: Geoffrey Coady and I have no violent objections to anything he's proposing, but he has managed to hit on my Nbr 1 pet-hated misuse of the English Language : "Decimate"

People use that word to mean "reduce to 1-tenth of the original" but what it actually means is "reduce by 1-tenth which is a completely different kettle of fish and it irritates me to hear people talking about the "decimation" of the rain forests, or health service, because they're using a word that doesn't convey the scale they are referring to.

Sorry, I'll put my soapbox away now

You know this has a funny side. I have not stopped grinning since you posted this.

Can someone explain to me why hardly anyone has been bothered by the steady erosion of civil liberties or [LIFTED] public policy in recent years, but when it comes to wasting public money (in this case by MPs) everyone gets really irate?

'It's the economy, stupid!'

I think it's because this is something that might actually swing the balance in favour of the electorate again. The other stuff annoys the crap out of me, but no amount of swearing and blogging and generally kicking up a stink seems to make a difference.

Now, though, the MPs have realised their employers are narked, and it might make a difference when it comes to an election.

Here's hoping sensible people get into Westminster when the time comes, and spend their time fruitfully repealing the worst excesses of the current laws.

Perhaps I'm a cynic, but I don't believe it'll change anything. Their expenses are irrelevant. It's human nature to take what you can get. I don't know anyone who hasn't used the office printer or put in for a few extra miles on expenses etc. at some point.

The system allowed them to do it, so they did it. Big deal. Linux is right, there a bigger fish, and we don't have the "upper hand" just because of this "scandal".

But you have to agree it's fun to watch the buggers squirming.

Yeah, fair point.

When you running anyway? How many times am I gonna have to bug you?!

I am waiting on the Jury Team to announce they want candidates for the General Election. If I'm successful in that application, they have a primary selection system which you have to get through before selection as a parliamentary candidate in my constituency.

I don't know when JT'll will start the process. I'd hope it will be sooner rather than later, because who knows if El Gordo will call the election early if the European and council elections are an epic fail for the incumbent government. Technically, Labour can cling on to power for another year yet.

So, I'm up for it, but please bug away.

I'm SOOO excited to hear that! Good for you. Please keep us informed. I'll be watching with great interest...

I'm going to become an MP.

And buy a new car, on expenses

Just a car!! have you no ambition!!!

but you didn't ask what KIND of car.

R8 spider, phleeeease!

Claim it as a 2nd home