HUHNE HAS TO GO, GUILTY OR NOT.

It seems that the Lib-Dem Energy Secretary, Chris Huhne, is to be charged with conspiracy to pervert the course of justice, following a lengthy investigation by Essex police into questions about the origin and fate of penalty points incurred for a driving offence in 2003. It also appears that an immediate consequence of this will be his departure from the Government.

Whether or not Mr Huhne is actually 'guilty as charged' will be determined, in due course, by the courts though there will no doubt be much expression of views in the media well before any verdict is returned. What is already happening is a discussion as to whether or not it is right that he should lose his Cabinet post before he has been tried, let alone found guilty.

I have never particularly warmed to Mr Huhne but I see no reason to vilify him or to treat him unjustly. However, as a Minister of the Crown he is responsible for the making and implementation of laws that affect all of us every single day. Many of these laws will have nothing to do with his direct departmental responsibilities but could relate to offences arising from everyday life, such as those relating to motoring, the sphere in which his offence is claimed to have occurred.

I have just watched the former Lib-Dem MP Lembit Opik, a man more famous for his personal actions than any political achievements, express some indignation at the likely departure of Mr Huhne from the Cabinet, saying that no other organisation would be allowed to sack an employee simply because they had been charged with an offence. As well as this being a simplistic view and, I think, not supported by fact, surely it is inconceivable that a man even accused of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice can remain as one of our law makers. If nothing else, preparing a defence to a charge that could result in imprisonment would certainly prove a serious distraction from his Governmental duties.

Huhne has to leave the Cabinet, there is no alternative. If he is found guilty, he may well go to prison; if he is acquitted, he will be eligible for a return to Government or, of course, he may decide to pursue other avenues. That is all for the future; right now, it is time to say bye-bye.