Matt Hancock Has Resigned

[Rena]

Another example of a midlife crisis?

Personally, I have decided to postpone my midlife crisis for as long as possible. Perhaps combine it with my second childhood.

I couldn't be bothered to have either a first or second life crisis.   I went straight into Grumpy Old Woman mode 

[Pinetree]

Additionally there are far less Inland Revenue and Customs Offices in towns and cities around the UK these days, thus less local Tax Inspectors and VAT Inspectors to make visits..

I get at least one phone call from “HMRC” most days! 

Pinetree

[Maiden Stone]

Usual story, don't do as we do! Do as we tell you! But, and this is the serious question I think, do we expect too high a standard from those who govern at any and every level?

I accept they are human and I don't expect them to be saints. However, there are certain standards they are supposed to maintain.
7 principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
The ministerial code includes:
 "proper and appropriate" relationships with colleagues;
"should ensure that no conflict arises or could reasonably be perceived to arise between their public duties and their private interests, financial or otherwise"

"The questions about advisors that must follow the Matt Hancock affair" article 25th June by Dr. Catherine Haddon of Institute for Government.
https://www.instituteforgovernment.org/blog/advisers-matt-hancock-affair

There are many issues to unpick in this situation.

[Pheno]

No more than in any other work colleague situation I don't suppose.

They are just people - the same as the rest of us and I don't expect them to behave any differently.

Niaive to expect them to I feel.

Pheno

[Maiden Stone]

The big part of this news is not the affair, or kiss,
The important public issue is who installed the security camera
That is what needs to be investigated and the perpetrator brought to justice.

They are all important public issues. They all have serious implications. They should all be investigated. Until that happens people resort to speculation. The decision whether or not to hold an inquiry is the P.M.'s. 

[Maiden Stone]

They are just people - the same as the rest of us and I don't expect them to behave any differently.
Niaive to expect them to I feel.

I'd rather be naive than cynical. I start from the viewpoints that most people do the right thing most of the time and that people who hold public office work for the public good.
Unfortunately I've become increasingly cynical during the last 2 years.

[Pheno]

Well that is what I mean!

Why expect government ministers to behave differently.  I bet that amongst groups of say 100 ministers and 100 clerical staff you would find more or less the same amount of indiscretions.

Don't expect too much and you won't be disappointed.

Pheno

[John Strang]

The decision whether or not to hold an inquiry is the P.M.'s.

I see that as being a problem - he seems to think this is no big deal, as he wanted the issue closed last Friday as Matt Hancock had apologised.

[Rena]

Additionally there are far less Inland Revenue and Customs Offices in towns and cities around the UK these days, thus less local Tax Inspectors and VAT Inspectors to make visits..

I get at least one phone call from “HMRC” most days! 

Pinetree

lol you lucky devil you.

I used to get a visit each year from IR and VAT inspectors.

I only ever once spoke to another person who had annual visits - we both thought we were being used by new inspectors for "practice".