Pushing even the weather and transport chaos into second place on the radio news this morning was the scoop from the Daily Telegraph that Vince Cable admits relationships in the coalition aren't always harmonious and that he could quit his role as business secretary if pushed too far.
My first reaction to this was astonishment that a newspaper like the Telegraph would think it appropriate to use a 'sting' operation like this against a senior politician in a case that didn't involve crime or wrongdoing.
My second was that disagreement, perhaps even strong disagreement, in the coalition is hardly news. For two such opposed political parties to work together is always going to be difficult and create pressures and tensions. If that weren't the case I'd be very worried, frankly. What on earth did these 'journalists' unearth that wasn't already commonplace?
My third was anger at the 'journalists' concerned who used Vince's constituency surgery to pose as constituents and conduct this charade. I've been an elected politician who has held surgeries for the people who elected me to come with any problems and concerns. It's a service I'd hope all elected politicians would offer, and one that shouldn't be abused. Our members of parliament shouldn't always have to be thinking 'is this a real constituent in front of me with a real problem, or just someone pretending in order to get a story?'.
This shouldn't be an embarrassment for Vince. But it sure as hell should be for the Telegraph.
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