Leader's Column - June 2009

6.33.07pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 11th Jun 2009

The definition of corrupt in the Cambridge dictionary is "dishonestly using your position or power to your own advantage".

By that definition our politics is indeed corrupt isn't it? The goings on at Westminster has just reinforced the view held by many that "They are all corrupt" "They are just in it for what they can get". A few months ago when I heard this opinion I would vigorously defend politicians of all parties. For the last month my protestations have been silent. What possible defense is there to some of these expense claims? There isn't any.

It is my strongly held belief that it is the system which is corrupt not necessarily the people (though one or two clearly need to serve time behind bars). There is a strong correlation between the size of the majorities that MPs hold and the level of these dodgy expenses. There are too many wards and constituencies in this country where there is no challenge to the established party. For the last 20 years I have worked for the cross party coalition now known as "Make Votes Count" www.makevotescounts.org.uk . Ensuring we have a proportional system of voting has been a long held passion of mine.

Opponents of PR often claim it will lead to dirty deals in smoked filled rooms. I disagree. What PR will do is make politicians pay attention to the worries and concerns of the electorate, it will act as a safeguard against outrageous expense claims and immoral outside earnings and most of all it will more fairly reflect the will of the electorate.

Where one party dominates the political agenda complacency is bred, this quickly fosters arrogance which eventually leads to corrupt practice and bad decision making. The political scene in Scotland has been transformed because of PR. Once Labour fiefdoms riven with outmoded practices have now become exemplary beacons of cooperation and cross party working. The power is now back in the hands of the people where it should be, not in the hands of party officials.