So, it turns out David Laws may have had some expenses complications. It also turns out he’s gay. Frankly, I don’t care.

The man is able, competent, and should remain as Chief Secretary to the Treasury. His private life is none of my business, and it has no bearing on his suitability for the job. It may be interesting as gossip, and some may find his expenses reprehensible, but he’s bloody good at his job and ought to stay.

Once upon a time our politicians could get away with just about anything. Lloyd George apparently sold peerages, Henry Temple, the 3rd Viscount Palmerston apparently seduced the young wife of a journalist at the age of 78, as well as having numerous affairs, and George Canning and Robert Stewart, Lord Castlereagh fought each other in a duel. Even Arthur Wellesley, the 1st Duke of Wellington fought a duel as Prime Minister, and William Ewart Gladstone is said to have invited prostitutes into Number 10 for “correction”. These were all great men who did great things.

I said only a few days ago that Laws was one to watch. He still is.