It's only words, but words are all I have...

Lord Sainsbury has admitted to "unintentionally" misleading the public. He did not declare a £2 million loan to the Labour Party but claimed that he had. This was apparently because one of the most successful retail businessmen in Britain was "confused" about the state of his finances. This is surely the perfect opportunity for Blair to demonstrate his new found determination to investigate such things properly.

The BBC report that "Minister 'cleared' over £2m loan".

Labour minister Lord Sainsbury has been cleared of breaching the ministerial code after failing to disclose a £2m party loan, Downing Street has said. Lord Sainsbury had apologised for unintentionally misleading the public, saying he had confused the loan with a £2m declared donation he had made.

He was cleared in an inquiry carried out by his permanent secretary, according to Downing Street.

They really are extracting the urine now.

Remember that thing we used to have? What was it again? Personal something or other. Ah yes, here it is in the ministerial code.

Ministers must ensure that no conflict arises, or appears to arise, between their public duties and their private interests, financial or otherwise.

It is the personal responsibility of each Minister to decide whether and what action is needed to avoid a conflict or the perception of a conflict, and to defend that decision, if necessary by accounting for it in Parliament.

Personal responsibility. That's the phrase I was after. Splendid words. But does anyone know what they mean?

Tags: News, Politics, Money, Sleaze