HAZEL AND THE SLASHERS

I want to make it clear I would never condone the behaviour of whoever slashed Hazel Blears's car tyres. Such behaviour is counter-productive and also extremely frightening for whoever is at the receiving end. But to pretend, as Blears has done, it is just the behaviour of disaffected kids is equally wrong and not facing up to reality.
The fact is that Hazel Blears has lost the respect of many of her constituents, and that she should have been hauled in along with other Ministers to explain their conduct and, if necessary, face the consequences.
I think the public perception is that waving cheques around for £13,000 , the sum she avoided Capital Gains Tax by via an expenses scam , is too little too late and hardly likely to endear her to anyone struggling on a low income and wondering why an MP they invested faith in has let them down so badly.
Rule 1 for MPs. Never lose touch with the people who vote for you.
If you hang out with rich people, live a lifestyle vastly removed from the day-to-day experience of your voters, then don't be too surprised when people get angry.
Salford CLP , in my opinion, should have passed a vote of no confidence in Blears and elected someone who would have credibility with the electorate.