Why Sir Malcolm is right to go - Professor Wyn Grant
Professor Wyn Grant from the Department of Politics and International Studies responds to the news that Sir Malcolm Rifkind has stood down as Chairman of the Intelligence and Security Committee.
He said: "Sir Malcolm Rifkind and Jack Straw emphatically deny any wrongdoing in relation to last night's Channel programme. The report of the parliamentary standards watchdog will not be available until after the general election. Nevertheless, their conduct was at the very least imprudent as they fell victim to a classic 'sting' operation.
"I think that Sir Malcolm is right to stand down as a MP and as chairman of the key intelligence and security committee. He was a MP for whom I had respect and he has lost that respect, particularly though his foolish comment about how much he needs to live on. I am afraid that this affair brings politics into further disrepute at a time when it is important for voters to engage in a crucial general election."
Note to Editors:
Professor Wyn Grant is available for interviews. He can be contacted on: 07973 680 599 or w.p.grant@warwick.ac.uk.
Issued by Lee Page, Communications Manager, Press and Policy Office, The University of Warwick. Tel: +44 (0)2476 574 255, Mob: +44 (0)7920 531 221. Email: l.page@warwick.ac.uk.
Contact:
Professor Wyn Grant
+44 (0)7973 680 599
Lee Page, Communications Manager
+44 (0)2476 574 255
+44 (0)7920 531 221