Should Steven Byers resign?

Former Member

Recent newspaper stories claim that the reason for the apathy of the British voters is the extensive and distortive spin which is effected by people like Campbell.

But, to what extent is this spin a product of the time, and what are the rights and wrongs of it?

When spin becomes politics, should those involved resign, and what is the best course of action? Have politicians ever been noble and honest?

Is it time for Steven Byers to go? Have we had enough of this matter now? Or is it just more politics which we're not interested in any more?

Former Member

No. What would be the point? I think he knows from the reaction he got in parliament on Wednesday that they don't appreciate being lied to.

However, he is just a puppet. He is told what to say by hos advisers - Sixsmith was one such adviser before he was booted out.

Point being, the public image of politicians is often different from their actual persona. Byers is supposedly one of the more talented ministers in govt so I can't see how turning him into a scapegoat for the general spin that goes on daily in Westminster will actually help things.

Former Member

Of course he should go......the people want him out so he should be out.

He has lost all confidence in the eyes of the population. He cannot work as a front bench MP any longer, not with any degree of effeciency.

Whether he did actually lie or not is irrelevent..Its a matter of public confidence and his reputation both in Parliament and among the civil servants..

He should be sacked.

Former Member

Apparently, he should have gone ages ago...

Should Byers resign?

Former Member

Originally posted by Kentish:
<STRONG>Apparently, he should have gone ages ago...
</STRONG>

Its truly amazing that hes still here...

Former Member

Originally posted by Kentish:
<STRONG>Apparently, he should have gone ages ago...</STRONG>

I thought this topic was familiar <IMG SRC="wink.gif" border="0" ALT="icon">

My opinion hasn't changed, esp now that he has lied to Parliament - which he clearly did, no matter how much spin is put on it.

As a Minister there is no greater political crime than to lie in parliamentary questions

Former Member

Sorry for repeating the topic, then.

Kentish, you've changed your opinion.

Why?

Former Member

True enough.

I feel sorry for anyone who is made a scapegoat by the press or, worse, their own department. I still believe his problems are caused by his advisers...but it is nevertheless unacceptable.

[Political U-turn]
He should resign
[/Political U-turn] <IMG SRC="wink.gif" border="0" ALT="icon">

Former Member

Originally posted by DJP:
<STRONG>Kentish, you've changed your opinion.

Why?</STRONG>

The details of these things tend to come out in the wash a few months down the line...
I still believe Byers himself is not at fault - he is a minister trying to control a busy department, and he relies on his aides for advice. New Labour has been about spin since day one: Byers can't do anything about that - and I think he is doing a difficult job, reasonably well. As it turns out, he has been let down and this Sixsmith issue will not go away.

Blair is the sort who won't let issues like this to affect the New Labout image - I think Byers will be under pressure to go. Maybe not immediately, but probably at the next reshuffle.

[ 13-05-2002: Message edited by: Kentish ]

Former Member

To be honest Steven Byers is just in an unfortunate position where he gets the blame. If you replace him with someone else, do you really think that would make a big change? I dont think so.

What causes the whole problem, is my opinion, is the public private partnership shit. Nobody can really do much cos the ownership is not really at anyone and causing loads of chaos.

Former Member

The fact that he is crap at his job is irrelevant <IMG SRC="rolleyes.gif" border="0" ALT="icon"> if it is proved that he lied to or decieved the commons or any other institutions of govt then he should go because it is unacceptable for an MP to behave like that....