Money, Money, Money

The Committee on Standards in Public Life is conducting an inquiry into party funding - with various people being invited along to give evidence and have their say.

A recent visitor was Lord Levy - the main Labour party fundraiser while Tony Blair was leader - and very successful he was too by all accounts.

But the man who spent so much time trying to maximise Labour's donations now wants them capped for all parties.

Levy said said that even if donors genuinely wanted nothing in return for their gifts - political honours would always attract suspicion.

Lord Levy also suggested that all union members tick a box - which would determine which - if any - party gets their contribution.

What a great idea - because it is fair, democratic and allows freedom of choice.

How could anyone possibly object?

And any union member who doesn't want to have part of their dues handed over to a political party would save money - because they would pay less in union contributions

The Committee on Standards in Public Life will publishes its ideas on political funding this spring - then the fun will start.