Labour MP Keith Vaz faces six-month suspension

[Nearly Sane]

Well you would think so really.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-50212221

Somewhat contrasts with this though in terms of the reports it may be that the other shoe was still to fall - that said Trump seems Teflon to this stuff,

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-50206253

[Robbie]

I don't know much about Keith Vaz and had forgotten about the trouble with male prostitutes and drugs.This made my hackles rise though:-

Conservative MP Andrew Bridgen, whose complaint triggered the investigation, told BBC East Midlands Today: "The wheels of justice have moved slowly but inexorably to the right conclusion.

"The report is damning regarding Keith Vaz's conduct and only needs rubber stamp from parliament now.

"Hopefully, this is the end of the line for Keith Vaz, I don't think he's fit to be representing anywhere in this place, I think he's been a malign influence on local and national politics for too long."

So holier than thou! Regardless of the rights and wrongs about which I won't comment, being so self righteous is ugly (in my humble opinion of course). Keith Vaz's wife and his children have stood by him, still love him. I think his wife probably knew about his tendencies but loved him anyway, she won't be the first spouse to do that but it seems he is a good father and, in many respects, a good husband. Poor sod is ill now too.

I wonder sometimes if it's worthwhile being a politician for any length of time, having every bit of your private life scrutinised. The stress and strain and effects on family life can be terrifying.I think I read Vaz's mother was a politician, for some people the 'calling' to politics is inculcated from an early age. Keith Vaz could easily do something else, I hope he does.

[Roses]

Vaz should have been kicked out, end of story, imo.

[Nearly Sane]

I don't know much about Keith Vaz and had forgotten about the trouble with male prostitutes and drugs.This made my hackles rise though:-

Conservative MP Andrew Bridgen, whose complaint triggered the investigation, told BBC East Midlands Today: "The wheels of justice have moved slowly but inexorably to the right conclusion.

"The report is damning regarding Keith Vaz's conduct and only needs rubber stamp from parliament now.

"Hopefully, this is the end of the line for Keith Vaz, I don't think he's fit to be representing anywhere in this place, I think he's been a malign influence on local and national politics for too long."

So holier than thou! Regardless of the rights and wrongs about which I won't comment, being so self righteous is ugly (in my humble opinion of course). Keith Vaz's wife and his children have stood by him, still love him. I think his wife probably knew about his tendencies but loved him anyway, she won't be the first spouse to do that but it seems he is a good father and, in many respects, a good husband. Poor sod is ill now too.

I wonder sometimes if it's worthwhile being a politician for any length of time, having every bit of your private life scrutinised. The stress and strain and effects on family life can be terrifying.I think I read Vaz's mother was a politician, for some people the 'calling' to politics is inculcated from an early age. Keith Vaz could easily do something else, I hope he does.

How can you ignore the rights and wrongs of the case to decide what whether an MP should be suspended? I'm in agreement that I wouldn't want to be an MP for any number of reasons, but that doesn't mean that Vaz's actions should not be scrutinised, and if found problematic lead to disciplinary action. Many of his constituents would have been sent to jail for less.

[Roses]

How can you ignore the rights and wrongs of the case to decide what whether an MP should be suspended? I'm in agreement that I wouldn't want to be an MP for any number of reasons, but that doesn't mean that Vaz's actions should not be scrutinised, and if found problematic lead to disciplinary action. Many of his constituents would have been sent to jail for less.

I agree, supplying cocaine is a crime, especially considering the harm that drug can cause.

[Nearly Sane]

I agree, supplying cocaine is a crime, especially considering the harm that drug can cause.

He wouldn't have been done for supplying cocaine. His actions are not that of a supplier.

[Roses]

He wouldn't have been done for supplying cocaine. His actions are not that of a supplier.

I thought he was supplying the male prostitutes with cocaine, which is illegal to possess.

[Nearly Sane]

I thought he was supplying the male prostitutes with cocaine, which is illegal to possess.

No, he was offering to give them money to buy it. That isn't supplying.

[Roses]

No, he was offering to give them money to buy it. That isn't supplying.

Which is as bad, imo.

[Robbie]

NS:- How can you ignore the rights and wrongs of the case to decide what whether an MP should be suspended
_____
I see what you are saying but other people who know more about this than me have scrutinised him, he is being punished, I don't see how me piling on the backs of them will help. He will answer for what happened for a very long time.

Outrage is not something I feel very often unless there is violence and terror involved, a few other things make me incensed. Sex scandals in the Houses of Parliament don't affect me in the same way as long as it is amongst consenting adults and they are hardly anything new in every country. Regrettable.

Which is as bad, imo.

Yes, he was an 'enabler' but as far as I know that is not against the law. No doubt the guys he was with had coke anyway but if they could get him to pay for some, all the better.

Very sordid.

[jeremyp]

How can you ignore the rights and wrongs of the case to decide what whether an MP should be suspended? I'm in agreement that I wouldn't want to be an MP for any number of reasons, but that doesn't mean that Vaz's actions should not be scrutinised, and if found problematic lead to disciplinary action. Many of his constituents would have been sent to jail for less.

What has he done that is illegal? The BBC article says the enquiry said that "his comments regarding this may not amount to a criminal offence". So there is some doubt about whether he has broken the law.

Having said that, there re other aspects to the case that are troubling.

For example, my quote from the BBC article above, in context, is "While his comments regarding this may not amount to a criminal offence, he shows disregard for the law and that, in turn, is disrespectful to the House and fellow members, who collectively are responsible for making those laws." My opinion is that MPs  - who are responsible for making and maintaining laws - need to have due respect for the same laws. Some sort of censure is necessary in such a case IMO.

Furthermore, Vaz apparently was evasive during the investigation and made up stories to try to cover up the incident. This is also deserving of censure. Frankly, I think the six month suspension as MP followed by a potential recall election is about right. Of course, if it turns out he has also broken the law, criminal prosecution should also follow.

ETA: if he wants to pay for sex, I regard that as nobody's business but his own and his partner's and the payees'. That aspect of it, I don't give a flying fuck about.