Good Old Ed

[sir.prize]

What a Balls up!

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/politics/4875657/Anti-speed-Ed-Balls-is-nicked-for-speeding.html

[Gromit]

If you have been caught speeding are you not allowed to support 20mph zones around schools?

That the shadow Chancellor was speeding through roadworks is unfortunate. If his remit was shadow transport then I would agree it would be hypocritical. But he isn't.

[sir.prize]

Unfortunate or a case of driving without due care, Gromit?

[Gromit]

// Sunday Times, 15 May 2005

THE government’s new road safety minister came close to being disqualified from driving after he was caught speeding three times within three years.

Stephen Ladyman, who was appointed last week, has admitted that at one stage he had accumulated nine penalty points on his driving licence. If he had been caught speeding for a fourth time — adding a further three points — he would have faced an automatic ban. //

Now that is a poor show. Don't think the Balls one proves anything.

[sir.prize]

Proves it was another 'Balls up' by a minister.

[Gromit]

Just done a quick google search. Michael Fabricant a Government whip, Harriet Hatman and Peter Hain have all recently been fined for speeding. there are probably more, it seems quite common.

A bit of a non story.

[ABerrant]

It does appear Ed Balls has told a mistruth.

"I currently have no points on my licence and would like to keep it that way."

http://www.edballs.co.uk/blog/?p=4068

Mr. Balls received 3 points for using a mobile phone while driving on 18th April 2010. Those points must remain active for totting until 18th April 2013, 12 days hence (and he cannot apply for their removal for another year).

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/election_2010/8643321.stm

[sir.prize]

Admittedly it's not in the Chris Huhne category - but it was considered newsworthy.

[sir.prize]

Well, well, well . . .what a story ABerrant.

Couldn't make it up, really.

[Gromit]

Good spot Aberrant.

The fact that he has lied about having a clean licence is better than the Sun story as printed.

[emmie]

double standards wouldn't you agree. Wonder how Huhne is doing in his open prison, expect he will be out soon. x

[mikey4444]

We are all human I'm afraid. I don't think people should be allowed to drive above 30 mph in a built-up zone, especially if they pass a school. But I can't put hand on heart and say that I have never done such a thing, nor can anyone else. Be very wary of anybody that portrays themselves as paragons of virtue, by saying they always drive like Mother Teresa.

Balls isn't the first politician to have a motoring conviction and he won't be the last. I hope nobody is trying to make political capital out of this.

[Sqad]

\\\\ I hope nobody is trying to make political capital out of this.\\\

You mean like Osborne and the invalid parking space.

[emmie]

mikey, huhne went to prison for speeding, his wife taking the points, and lying about it, are you suggesting that Mr Balls is exempt from censure.

[Canary42]

Huhne went to prison for perverting the course of justice - something regarded as far more serious.

[emmie]

didn't suggest that it wasn't, but mikey point was who hasn't done this?

Osborne came in for a deal of criticism for parking in an Disabled bay, which may or may not have been his fault, assume he wasn't driving, no idea, but Mr Balls should know better, and points on licence for mobile infringement, oh dear.

[mikey4444]

em...put your reading glasses back on ! Nowhere in my post did I suggest that Balls should be immune from censure. He is a high profile member of the Shadow cabinet and should lead by example. But any politician should be do the same, whatever party they represent.

This isn't a party political issue and nobody should hijack it for that reason.

[FredPuli43]

Since when have politicians been expected to lead by example, to the extent of being perfect or never exceeding the speed limit by some modest amount? That's a new constitutional convention , if it exists !