Getting a straight answer out of our politicians is never easy. In fact, it feels like it rarely ever happens these days.
A classic example of this happened recently, involving leader of the Liberal Democrats
Davey, who was the postal minister under
As bad as it was that he failed to just simply say sorry, it has become almost expected for our politicians to steer clear of giving clear and direct answers to simple questions.
How many times have you watched MPs painfully deliver, and often repeat, scripted, ready-made replies to questions from the press?
So when
Asked what he thought about his pay packet last year of £4.5m, he replied: "You can't justify a salary of that size.
"It's a huge amount of money; I am incredibly fortunate," he said, adding the fact that it is obviously not up to him to set his own pay, which is done by the firm's remuneration committee.
He also pointed out that the presenters interviewing him received well over the average wage, and did not set their own salary.
Many online were quick to praise his self-awareness.
"His honesty was refreshing," said one person reacting to the interview on social media. "Respect his openness," said another.
It should be said that
The consumer group Which? also recently named
His honesty doesn't, and nor should it, make him a hero.
But how he handled the interview was a reminder of the professionalism and honesty that the public deserves from our elected officials.
MPs should watch and learn.
(c) 2024 City A.M., source