David Maddox: Why did it take Jack Straw so long to realise?

I've had a few e-mails about the continuing lobbygate saga particularly over the involvement of the former ministerial trio of Byers, Hoon and Hewitt.
One e-mail asks about Justice Secretary Jack Straw's comments today describing the three as "stupid."
Why, I was asked, has Mr Straw, who is supposed to be reasonably intelligent, not realise they were stupid when Geoff Hoon was responsible for the UK's defence, Stephen Byer's the transport infrastructure and Patricia Hewitt the English health service?
The answer could be that maybe he thought letting that sort of information out might cause general panic. Afterall you do want the people in charge to have a few grey cells to rub together.
But, maybe the truth is found in looking at the end of his comments.
They were "stupid" for "allowing themselves to be suckered in a sting like this."
So now we understand the UK government definition of stupidity: You are only stupid if you allow yourself to get caught.
If this was the thinking that underlied their policy on education and justice as well it might explain a few things.

David Maddox: Self-certifying politicians

Just come back from the morning Downing Street briefing where the main topic of conversation was cash for access.

This was not the huge sums Labour is demanding for a bus trip with Gordon Brown during the election, but, of course, the Stephen "taxi" Byers, Geoff Hoon et al controversy of asking money from companies to lobby on their behalf.

Byers (pictured right) has apparently boasted that he managed to change legislation, although all will be much clearer this evening when the Channel 4 program making the claims is aired. But this morning it was made clear that the Prime Minister sees no reason for an investigation of any sort.

The reason for this is that the two departments concerned - Transport and Business, Innovation and Skills - run by their Lords Adonis and Mandelson have issued statements saying it is not true.

Which raises the question: What would happen if this principle were to be used in the courts or police investigations?

If it were, all criminals would need to do is say "not true gov" and, whatever the evidence, the courts and constabulary would say "well that's good enough for me, no need to take this further."

Fortunately, our legal systems do not work the same way as our political ones. But this is another example, if one were needed, of the political class operating to different standards than the rest of us.