His Lib Dem colleague John Thurso, who represents Easter Ross, told the Journal he too is ready to put his political future on the line within weeks.

Mr Kennedy said, "The sooner the House of Commons introduces proper, outside scrutiny, the better.

"It's just sad that it's taken the current fiasco to bring that point home. But I do think that this parliament has run its course, and frankly now lacks the sense of moral authority it needs. A general election in the not too distant future seems the best option. We need a sense of fresh start for the body politic as a whole. As things stand right now, the problem is that everyone ends up getting tarred with the same brush. And at the end of the day that's not in anyone's interests."

Mr Kennedy was accused of charging taxpayers for three boxes of mints and two teddy bears bought from the gift shop at the House of Commons. He said the items were bought as raffle prizes for constituents, "and claimed in error", and repaid last month. He said he frequently purchases items for donations and is happy to do so. His aide said, "I know folk are tired of hearing it, but this does seem to have been an error with processing a single purchase."

Lord Thurso, whose claim for rent on a designated second home in London and for hotels across Scotland because of "the vast area of constituency" were approved by the fees office, said he was heartened by support from constituents who understood the challenges faced.

He said, "I think an election at the earliest opportunity will be in the best interests of the country. I can't recollect a previous government in this kind of state." The past month had been "quite extraordinary" and feeling was "incredibility deep" over the expenses row. "My worry was that I might have made a mistake. I couldn't see one but it is a worry."

The Labour Party's challenger in Lord Thurso's patch, John McKendrick, accused opposition parties of "opportunism" in calling for an early election and backed the embattled PM as "head and shoulders above the rest as the right leader". The top issue was to resolve the economic crisis, he said.

The Conservative Party's Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross hopeful, Alastair Graham, said, "We need a complete clean-out. There is intense irritation and profound cynicism but I think everyone needs to take a deep breath. The mood of the country has got to be right. The best we can hope for is perhaps October."

The SNP's candidate in the same ward is Jean Urquhart. She said, "A month or so ago I'd have said it was mad to go for a general election when the country is in such a seriously bad financial state. But I think we've now got past the point of no return and either Labour has to change its leader or go to the country."

editor@rsjournal.co.uk

* Is it time for a general election? Go to 'The Big Vote' to have your say.

Printer friendly version

Email this article to a friend

Bookmark this

---