BLEARS - WHY THE DISPARITY

NEC member Peter Kenyon rightly pointed out the other day that the Special Endorsements Panel set up in the wake of the expenses scandal was supposed to be in charge of whether Mps had transgressed the rules so unacceptably they should be de-selected. But only, it seems, if you are a backbencher. So far Ian Gibson, Elliott Morley and David Chaytor have announced they won't be standing again after being interviewed by Cath Speight and co. In Gibson's case, he has resigned. It seems Jim Devine, who inherited the late Robin Cook's seat, has also been told to walk the plank. Yet Blears is seemingly only at the mercy of her CLP, who will allegedly back her in a no-confidence vote tonight. Where is the equity in this? Last I heard the final say would be down to the NEC. Why is there one rule for ex Ministers and another for those who can more easily be dealt with. In the interests of fairness, Blears should be referred to the panel and the last shout, as Peter says, should not go to the CLP. Especially as in the case of Ian Gibson his CLP did NOT want to de-select him. But of course the NEC has a long track-record in imposing one set of rules for New Labour - and sweepng their misdemeanours under the carpet.