Power corrupts

Influence and authority are earned at the price of consent and compromise. Corruption of principle and the appearance of it are evident in actions and outcomes. What is to be done?

Labour recently ended universal winter fuel payments, restricting them to only those receiving means-tested benefits. There has been outcry. All the Conservative Leadership candidates want lower taxes and a smaller state, but also oppose the change, despite the unavoidable reality of default if we do not cut age-related spending and focus support on those who need it most.

The position is absurd - and damaging. Conservatives should support every spending cut and oppose every tax rise if we are to eventually get this country on the sustainable financial path we need. My advice was to give Labour the kiss of death but all our potential leaders surrendered what is necessary and right to what is easy.

Why? To win.

Alas that power corrupts. In this, the first in a series on how politics and parliament works, I explain how.

Power corrupts