says Adam Boulton in today’s Sunday Times (page 27)

… The public is angry with politicians again … once again they look greedy, venal and out of touch … In May 2009, a year before he became  prime minister, David Cameron promised radical reform to deal with political corruption.  His speech in Milton Keynes foretold a “new politics” of democracy and transparency.

Five years on, he told the Commons that “firing someone at the first sign of trouble … that’s not leadership, that’s weakness”.  As for transparency, don’t bother looking for the Milton Keynes speech on the Conservative website.  It was expunged when Lynton Crosby took over the party’s communications.

As the prime minster and chancellor spelt out … they expect to be judged on their economic management.  But the absence of reform, and the increased levels of toxicity in the body politic, will be one of the coalition’s lasting legacies.

… Cameron warned that “lobbying is the next big scandal waiting to happen”.  In response, the government forced through a much-maligned Lobbying Act, which Labour has pledged to repeal.  According to the Association of Professional Political Consultants, the act does not cover 99% of contacts between ministers and lobbyists.

… Margaret Hodge, chairwoman of the public accounts committee, has added her own dash of cold water, pronouncing that the slackness of Commons business means that it fails its own value-for-money standards.

… From energy companies to the press and welfare claimants to top earners, MPs lay down the law for the rest of us.  If they are to win public respect they must first follow the proverb from the gospels: “Physician, heal thyself”.