Court of Public Opinion
Stewart Hosie, Alex Salmond and Angus MacNeil in 2005
I enjoyed the fact that senior SNP sources resisted the temptation to make excuses for Stewart Hosie and Angus MacNeil, the two party MPs caught up in a tawdry Westminster sex scandal.
While Mr MacNeil whined about his treatment at the hands of the 'tabloid' press, senior sources in the SNP described him as a "dirty shagging bastard" and a "cock of the north".
Now Mr MacNeil has 'form' in the area so perhaps it's not surprising that the SNP hierarchy had no sympathy for his plight, but the party's wrath also descended on SNP deputy leader, Stewart Hosie, with one female MP saying:
“This always happens with men. A woman pushes their buttons and they fall for it every time. Stewart fell for it just like every other.”
So far, so good, but then along came Alex Salmond who when asked about the call for an investigation into Angus MacNeil's hotel expenses (on his LBC radio phone-in) answered:
"If it is investigated it will be flung out. There is no expenses issue here whatsoever, none whatsoever."
As I said the other day, expenses are about assisting MPs in the 'better performance of their duties" - they are not intended to help MPs cheat on their wives, husbands or partners.
So while Mr MacNeil owns a property in nearby Westminster which the taxpayer helped to buy, he chooses not to stay there but to stay instead in London hotels which he can charge to the public purse.
Now that can't be right if you ask me, even if it is within the 'rules'.
The SNP is apparently giving its full backing to Angus MacNeil MP who, along with his older colleague, Stewart Hosie, is caught up in a good, old-fashioned Westminster sex scandal.
Now these two middle aged men look extremely arrogant and stupid if you ask me, and, of course, Mr MacNeil is a 'repeat offender' after the Sunday Mail reported in 2007 that he had been involved in a 'drunken romp' with two teenage girls in a hotel room while his pregnant wife was in hospital expecting his third child.
But the real interest for me lies in the fact that Mr MacNeil owns a property in London and yet still bills the public purse for staying in hotels while on official Westminster business.
I assume Mr MacNeil bought the property soon after entering the House of Commons in 2005 and that he did so with mortgage that was paid for under the MPs' housing allowance scheme, part of the now discreditedMPs' expenses regime which was in place at the time.
Now this housing allowance scheme was abolished as a result the great MPs' expenses scandal, but Mr MacNeil (along with many others) benefited from the scheme until it was replaced in 2010 - and from the huge increase in London property prices.
The media report that Mr MacNeil earns £10,000 a year in rent from the property (which sounds very cheap for London) and that he claimed £16,665 in expenses for overnight hotel stays in 2014-15.
The SNP is getting a terrible press over the sexual shenanigans of two senior Westminster MPs which is only fair, I suppose, given the pasting handed out to Labour, Conservative and Lib Dem politicians over the years.
The political journalist in the eye of the storm, Serena Cowdy, apparently told friends that she is “madly in love” with the SNP's deputy leader, Stewart Hosie.
While one of these 'friends' is reported as telling The Sun newspaper:
“She was bragging about Stewart Hosie’s white Marks & Spencer Y-fronts. Within her circle, she was quite open about it. She wanted people to know that it was more than a casual thing.”
I was puzzled by Nicola Sturgeon's decision to pose with the front page of The Sun newspaper which depicts Scotland's First Minister-in-waiting as captain of the USS Enterprise.
Now I'm a bit of a Star Trek fan myself and although I've never been drawn to the politics of The Sun, I can appreciate the argument that times have changed since the days of Page 3 and the newspaper's coverage of the Hillsborough disaster.
But actually posing with the front page is a step too far if you ask me,and just goes to show that there's an election in the offing.
In politics, as in life, some people have 'it' and some don't.
And having listened yesterday to Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs) atWestminster I can honestly say that Ed Miliband doesn't have that magical quality, that extra little something which sets star performers apart from all the rest.
In fact based on his performance at PMQs I think the Labour leader would struggle to hit a cow on the arse with a banjo, politically speaking.
Because yesterday's showdown at the parliamentary despatch box was billed as walkover for Ed Miliband, a golden opportunity too wipe the floor with his political opponent, after the Prime Minister's former spin doctor (Andy Coulson) was convicted of phone hacking.
But he blew it, big time, he was floored by a comment about his ridiculous antics over posing for The Sun newspaper, and that's what everybody will remember - especially the MPs his own side.
Ed Miliband apologises for offence over Sun picture
So far, so good, but then along came Alex Salmond who when asked about the call for an investigation into Angus MacNeil's hotel expenses (on his LBC radio phone-in) answered:
"If it is investigated it will be flung out. There is no expenses issue here whatsoever, none whatsoever."
As I said the other day, expenses are about assisting MPs in the 'better performance of their duties" - they are not intended to help MPs cheat on their wives, husbands or partners.
So while Mr MacNeil owns a property in nearby Westminster which the taxpayer helped to buy, he chooses not to stay there but to stay instead in London hotels which he can charge to the public purse.
Now that can't be right if you ask me, even if it is within the 'rules'.
Defending the Indefensible (19/05/16)
The SNP is apparently giving its full backing to Angus MacNeil MP who, along with his older colleague, Stewart Hosie, is caught up in a good, old-fashioned Westminster sex scandal.
Now these two middle aged men look extremely arrogant and stupid if you ask me, and, of course, Mr MacNeil is a 'repeat offender' after the Sunday Mail reported in 2007 that he had been involved in a 'drunken romp' with two teenage girls in a hotel room while his pregnant wife was in hospital expecting his third child.
But the real interest for me lies in the fact that Mr MacNeil owns a property in London and yet still bills the public purse for staying in hotels while on official Westminster business.
I assume Mr MacNeil bought the property soon after entering the House of Commons in 2005 and that he did so with mortgage that was paid for under the MPs' housing allowance scheme, part of the now discreditedMPs' expenses regime which was in place at the time.
Now this housing allowance scheme was abolished as a result the great MPs' expenses scandal, but Mr MacNeil (along with many others) benefited from the scheme until it was replaced in 2010 - and from the huge increase in London property prices.
The media report that Mr MacNeil earns £10,000 a year in rent from the property (which sounds very cheap for London) and that he claimed £16,665 in expenses for overnight hotel stays in 2014-15.
So the real question is how can an MP justify running up these huge hotel bills when he owns a property that was, in part at least, purchased with public money from the taxpayer?
Mr MacNeil may be operating 'within the rules', but in the court of public opinion I would say he's just another two-timing hypocrite.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-36320955
SNP backs Angus MacNeil over hotel expenses claims
BBC Scotland politics
Front pages
Mr MacNeil has previously said that the new expenses rules were to blame, and that MPs should be allowed to claim for flats they own, as they did in the past.
Both Labour and the Conservatives have called for an investigation into any "potential misuse" of taxpayers' money by Mr MacNeil.
But a spokeswoman for the SNP said: "Angus MacNeil's accommodation has nothing to do with it. To suggest any financial impropriety is totally wrong."
Allegations of Ms Cowdy's affairs with the two SNP MPs have dominated the front pages of Scotland's newspapers over the past two days.
Mr MacNeil may be operating 'within the rules', but in the court of public opinion I would say he's just another two-timing hypocrite.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-36320955
SNP backs Angus MacNeil over hotel expenses claims
BBC Scotland politics
Image captionThe SNP says Angus MacNeil (left) has not broken any financial rules
The SNP has insisted it was "totally wrong" to suggest that an MP at the centre of sex claims had committed financial impropriety.
Angus MacNeil is said to stayed with journalist Serena Cowdy at the Park Plaza hotel in London, and then claimed for the room on expenses.
Ms Cowdy is reported to have later been involved in a relationship with the SNP's deputy leader, Stewart Hosie.
Mr Hosie recently separated from his wife, SNP MSP Shona Robison.
London area
Mr MacNeil, the MP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar (Western Isles), has claimed about £90,000 in accommodation expenses since 2010/11, including £17,823.97 in 2014/15 - the period in which he was said to have been having an affair with Ms Cowdy.
The vast majority of the claims have been for hotels in the London area.
This is despite Mr MacNeil owning a flat in Lambeth, which is about a 15-minute walk from the House of Commons.
The SNP has insisted it was "totally wrong" to suggest that an MP at the centre of sex claims had committed financial impropriety.
Angus MacNeil is said to stayed with journalist Serena Cowdy at the Park Plaza hotel in London, and then claimed for the room on expenses.
Ms Cowdy is reported to have later been involved in a relationship with the SNP's deputy leader, Stewart Hosie.
Mr Hosie recently separated from his wife, SNP MSP Shona Robison.
London area
Mr MacNeil, the MP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar (Western Isles), has claimed about £90,000 in accommodation expenses since 2010/11, including £17,823.97 in 2014/15 - the period in which he was said to have been having an affair with Ms Cowdy.
The vast majority of the claims have been for hotels in the London area.
This is despite Mr MacNeil owning a flat in Lambeth, which is about a 15-minute walk from the House of Commons.
Image caption - Ms Cowdy was said to have been involved in an affair with Mr Hosie as well as Mr MacNeil
Mr MacNeil, who separated from his wife last year, is understood to have bought the flat under previous Westminster expenses rules, which allowed him to charge mortgage interest payments to his parliamentary expenses.
But when the rules changed following the MPs' expenses scandal, Mr MacNeil became one of several MPs who chose to rent out their properties and instead claim expenses for staying in hotels or rented accommodation when in London. There is no suggestion that the practice is against Westminster expenses rules.
Mr MacNeil, who separated from his wife last year, is understood to have bought the flat under previous Westminster expenses rules, which allowed him to charge mortgage interest payments to his parliamentary expenses.
But when the rules changed following the MPs' expenses scandal, Mr MacNeil became one of several MPs who chose to rent out their properties and instead claim expenses for staying in hotels or rented accommodation when in London. There is no suggestion that the practice is against Westminster expenses rules.
Front pages
Mr MacNeil has previously said that the new expenses rules were to blame, and that MPs should be allowed to claim for flats they own, as they did in the past.
Both Labour and the Conservatives have called for an investigation into any "potential misuse" of taxpayers' money by Mr MacNeil.
But a spokeswoman for the SNP said: "Angus MacNeil's accommodation has nothing to do with it. To suggest any financial impropriety is totally wrong."
Allegations of Ms Cowdy's affairs with the two SNP MPs have dominated the front pages of Scotland's newspapers over the past two days.
Image copyright - PAImage caption - Nicola Sturgeon embraced Mr Hosie's wife, Shona Robison, after being re-elected as first minister on Tuesday
SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon - who was re-elected as Scotland's first minister on Tuesday - was asked several times by journalists whether she still had confidence in Mr Hosie, who is due to lead the party's new independence drive over the summer.
Ms Sturgeon said only that it was a "private matter", that Mr Hosie was "elected as deputy leader of the party" and that she had no further comment to make.
The first minister was photographed in the Holyrood chamber embracing Ms Robison - who served as her health secretary until the recent election, and who has been married to Dundee East MP Mr Hosie for nearly 20 years.
SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon - who was re-elected as Scotland's first minister on Tuesday - was asked several times by journalists whether she still had confidence in Mr Hosie, who is due to lead the party's new independence drive over the summer.
Ms Sturgeon said only that it was a "private matter", that Mr Hosie was "elected as deputy leader of the party" and that she had no further comment to make.
The first minister was photographed in the Holyrood chamber embracing Ms Robison - who served as her health secretary until the recent election, and who has been married to Dundee East MP Mr Hosie for nearly 20 years.
Pants to Politics (19/05/16)
The SNP is getting a terrible press over the sexual shenanigans of two senior Westminster MPs which is only fair, I suppose, given the pasting handed out to Labour, Conservative and Lib Dem politicians over the years.
The political journalist in the eye of the storm, Serena Cowdy, apparently told friends that she is “madly in love” with the SNP's deputy leader, Stewart Hosie.
While one of these 'friends' is reported as telling The Sun newspaper:
“She was bragging about Stewart Hosie’s white Marks & Spencer Y-fronts. Within her circle, she was quite open about it. She wanted people to know that it was more than a casual thing.”
Now that is funny and it just goes to show that you can't be too careful when it comes to dealing with The Sun.
Here Comes The Sun (03/05/16)
Now I'm a bit of a Star Trek fan myself and although I've never been drawn to the politics of The Sun, I can appreciate the argument that times have changed since the days of Page 3 and the newspaper's coverage of the Hillsborough disaster.
But actually posing with the front page is a step too far if you ask me,and just goes to show that there's an election in the offing.
Take Aim, Fire! (26/06/14)
In politics, as in life, some people have 'it' and some don't.
And having listened yesterday to Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs) atWestminster I can honestly say that Ed Miliband doesn't have that magical quality, that extra little something which sets star performers apart from all the rest.
In fact based on his performance at PMQs I think the Labour leader would struggle to hit a cow on the arse with a banjo, politically speaking.
Because yesterday's showdown at the parliamentary despatch box was billed as walkover for Ed Miliband, a golden opportunity too wipe the floor with his political opponent, after the Prime Minister's former spin doctor (Andy Coulson) was convicted of phone hacking.
But he blew it, big time, he was floored by a comment about his ridiculous antics over posing for The Sun newspaper, and that's what everybody will remember - especially the MPs his own side.
Having It Both Ways (14 June 2014)
Here's a strange tale from the BBC web site which reports that Ed Miliband has apologised for any offence caused by him posing for The Sun newspaper.
Strange because Ed Miliband must have know what he was doing before he did it, so he should either have declined the opportunity in the first place or answered his critics by saying that this is all in the past and that The Sun has since apologised for its toxic coverage of the Hillsborough disaster which happened 25 years ago.
But by trying to have it both ways the Labour leader looks rather opportunistic and foolish.
Ed Miliband has apologised for any offence caused after he posed with a copy of the Sun newspaper.
The Labour leader was pictured holding a special edition of the paper which was sent to millions of homes free to mark the start of the World Cup.
Labour MPs have criticised their leader for associating himself with the paper, which has long been criticised for its reporting of the Hillsborough disaster.
Mr Miliband said he "understood the anger" felt on Merseyside about it.
Groups representing victims and survivors of the 1989 tragedy expressed anger at Mr Miliband's actions, one describing them as an "absolute disgrace".
And a Labour councillor in Liverpool, Martin Cummins, has resigned from the party, suggesting Mr Miliband had "listened to unwise counsel in associating himself, and our party, with this degrading publication".
Mr Cummins said: "Seeing Ed promoting the Sun has rocked me to my core."
The Labour leader insisted that he had participated in the photo shoot to show his support for the England football team.
The Labour leader was pictured holding a special edition of the paper which was sent to millions of homes free to mark the start of the World Cup.
Labour MPs have criticised their leader for associating himself with the paper, which has long been criticised for its reporting of the Hillsborough disaster.
Mr Miliband said he "understood the anger" felt on Merseyside about it.
Groups representing victims and survivors of the 1989 tragedy expressed anger at Mr Miliband's actions, one describing them as an "absolute disgrace".
And a Labour councillor in Liverpool, Martin Cummins, has resigned from the party, suggesting Mr Miliband had "listened to unwise counsel in associating himself, and our party, with this degrading publication".
Mr Cummins said: "Seeing Ed promoting the Sun has rocked me to my core."
The Labour leader insisted that he had participated in the photo shoot to show his support for the England football team.
Ed Miliband poses with a special edition of The Sun
In a statement, a spokesman for the Labour leader said: "Ed Miliband was promoting England's bid to win the World Cup and is proud to do so.
"But he understands the anger that is felt towards the Sun over Hillsborough by many people in Merseyside and he is sorry to those who feel offended."
Mr Miliband, David Cameron and Nick Clegg all posed with copies of the Sun.
A Sun spokesman said: "The Sun wants to thank Ed Miliband for having his picture taken and cheering on England to #DoUsProud in Brazil.
"The free edition of The Sun is an unashamedly positive celebration of Englishness, and it should come as no surprise that politicians on all sides are happy to get behind our uplifting message."
'Sensitive time'
The move has caused anger in Liverpool, at a time when inquests are being held into the deaths of 96 Liverpool football supporters at Hillsborough in 1989.
Analysis by political correspondent Chris Mason
Was it a mistake for Ed Miliband to pose for a photo, complete with a smile and a copy of The Sun?
From his perspective, here's the plus side: The Sun is the country's biggest selling newspaper, and this wasn't just an ordinary edition of the paper.
It was being sent free to millions of homes across England.
As a political leader, would you want to miss the chance to look like you're getting in the World Cup spirit?
On the downside, don't underestimate the deep seated anger with The Sun on Merseyside or the depth or longevity of Labour support there.
The question is: did the downsides even cross Team Miliband's mind?
They're not saying - but do point out the Labour leader has written for The Sun before, and will do again.
The Sun has long been scorned in Liverpool for its coverage of the tragedy, after which it criticised the behaviour of Liverpool fans, suggesting they had robbed and urinated on victims and attacked police officers attending to the injured.
In 2012, it published a "profound" apology for what it said was an "inaccurate and offensive" report.
Steve Rotheram, MP for Liverpool Walton, said he and some of his colleagues had met Mr Miliband on Thursday to discuss the matter.
"He never meant any offence, but in my opinion it shouldn't have happened in the first place," he tweeted.
In a statement, a spokesman for the Labour leader said: "Ed Miliband was promoting England's bid to win the World Cup and is proud to do so.
"But he understands the anger that is felt towards the Sun over Hillsborough by many people in Merseyside and he is sorry to those who feel offended."
Mr Miliband, David Cameron and Nick Clegg all posed with copies of the Sun.
A Sun spokesman said: "The Sun wants to thank Ed Miliband for having his picture taken and cheering on England to #DoUsProud in Brazil.
"The free edition of The Sun is an unashamedly positive celebration of Englishness, and it should come as no surprise that politicians on all sides are happy to get behind our uplifting message."
'Sensitive time'
The move has caused anger in Liverpool, at a time when inquests are being held into the deaths of 96 Liverpool football supporters at Hillsborough in 1989.
Analysis by political correspondent Chris Mason
Was it a mistake for Ed Miliband to pose for a photo, complete with a smile and a copy of The Sun?
From his perspective, here's the plus side: The Sun is the country's biggest selling newspaper, and this wasn't just an ordinary edition of the paper.
It was being sent free to millions of homes across England.
As a political leader, would you want to miss the chance to look like you're getting in the World Cup spirit?
On the downside, don't underestimate the deep seated anger with The Sun on Merseyside or the depth or longevity of Labour support there.
The question is: did the downsides even cross Team Miliband's mind?
They're not saying - but do point out the Labour leader has written for The Sun before, and will do again.
The Sun has long been scorned in Liverpool for its coverage of the tragedy, after which it criticised the behaviour of Liverpool fans, suggesting they had robbed and urinated on victims and attacked police officers attending to the injured.
In 2012, it published a "profound" apology for what it said was an "inaccurate and offensive" report.
Steve Rotheram, MP for Liverpool Walton, said he and some of his colleagues had met Mr Miliband on Thursday to discuss the matter.
"He never meant any offence, but in my opinion it shouldn't have happened in the first place," he tweeted.
David Cameron and other leading politicians also featured in the paper
The Labour mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, said many people would feel "insulted" by Mr Miliband's actions.
"Like everybody in this city I am really hurt and offended by Ed Miliband's support for The Sun newspaper," he said. "Such clear support for that publication at any time would be wrong but at such a sensitive time is deeply shocking."
"For the leader of the Labour Party to make such an offensive gesture insults not only me but every person in the city.
"This is just another example of how out of touch the politicians in their ivory towers are from the lives of ordinary people."
'Hoodwinked'
Writing on Labour list, Labour MP Tom Watson suggested the Labour leader had been "hoodwinked" by the newspaper.
"Scouse friends with accompanying passionate vernacular said that we had scored an 'own goal,'" he wrote.
Lord Storey: "I don't think people outside of Merseyside realise the great upset and harm The Sun caused to the people of this city"
He added: "It's not easy being leader of the opposition. There is always a conga line of trouble waiting at your office door. You're never far away from disagreement.
"And in those tiny moments of rest between the ennui of shadow cabinet meetings, there's a helpful spin doctor who can press a promotional copy of The Sun into your hands."
Margaret Aspinall, chair of the Hillsborough Family Support Group - which represents 75 families - said she could not believe the pictures of the three party leaders and suggested "common sense should have prevailed at a very sensitive time for the families".
And Barry Devonside, of the Hillsborough Justice Campaign, said it is "an absolute disgrace that the leader of the Labour Party got involved".
'Badly advised'
The Sun backed Labour under Tony Blair but withdrew its support before the 2010 election.
Mr Miliband has had a strained relationship with Rupert Murdoch, the Sun's proprietor, after leading calls for tougher press regulation in the wake of the phone hacking scandal.
Mr Clegg has also been urged to apologise by a Lib Dem councillor in Liverpool for an "error" of judgement in associating himself with the paper's offer.
"I have emailed Nick's advisors to ask what was he doing," Richard Kemp said. "I am particularly surprised at Nick Clegg, as Hillsborough is in his constituency."
He added: "I think he has been badly advised. He is not evil or stupid and I hold his advisers more responsible."
In response, a spokesman for the deputy prime minister said his show of support for the England football team "does not change his views on the Hillsborough tragedy".
"He understands the depth of feeling on Merseyside and elsewhere about what happened and that is why he played a pivotal role in government in ensuring that official documents relating to Hillsborough were released," the spokesman added.
A Conservative source said Mr Miliband's apology was an "extraordinary gaffe" which proved he lacked "moral conviction".
The Labour mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, said many people would feel "insulted" by Mr Miliband's actions.
"Like everybody in this city I am really hurt and offended by Ed Miliband's support for The Sun newspaper," he said. "Such clear support for that publication at any time would be wrong but at such a sensitive time is deeply shocking."
"For the leader of the Labour Party to make such an offensive gesture insults not only me but every person in the city.
"This is just another example of how out of touch the politicians in their ivory towers are from the lives of ordinary people."
'Hoodwinked'
Writing on Labour list, Labour MP Tom Watson suggested the Labour leader had been "hoodwinked" by the newspaper.
"Scouse friends with accompanying passionate vernacular said that we had scored an 'own goal,'" he wrote.
Lord Storey: "I don't think people outside of Merseyside realise the great upset and harm The Sun caused to the people of this city"
He added: "It's not easy being leader of the opposition. There is always a conga line of trouble waiting at your office door. You're never far away from disagreement.
"And in those tiny moments of rest between the ennui of shadow cabinet meetings, there's a helpful spin doctor who can press a promotional copy of The Sun into your hands."
Margaret Aspinall, chair of the Hillsborough Family Support Group - which represents 75 families - said she could not believe the pictures of the three party leaders and suggested "common sense should have prevailed at a very sensitive time for the families".
And Barry Devonside, of the Hillsborough Justice Campaign, said it is "an absolute disgrace that the leader of the Labour Party got involved".
'Badly advised'
The Sun backed Labour under Tony Blair but withdrew its support before the 2010 election.
Mr Miliband has had a strained relationship with Rupert Murdoch, the Sun's proprietor, after leading calls for tougher press regulation in the wake of the phone hacking scandal.
Mr Clegg has also been urged to apologise by a Lib Dem councillor in Liverpool for an "error" of judgement in associating himself with the paper's offer.
"I have emailed Nick's advisors to ask what was he doing," Richard Kemp said. "I am particularly surprised at Nick Clegg, as Hillsborough is in his constituency."
He added: "I think he has been badly advised. He is not evil or stupid and I hold his advisers more responsible."
In response, a spokesman for the deputy prime minister said his show of support for the England football team "does not change his views on the Hillsborough tragedy".
"He understands the depth of feeling on Merseyside and elsewhere about what happened and that is why he played a pivotal role in government in ensuring that official documents relating to Hillsborough were released," the spokesman added.
A Conservative source said Mr Miliband's apology was an "extraordinary gaffe" which proved he lacked "moral conviction".
