The use of social media and the broadcast and print media to promote the latest code of conduct amongst Conservative Party candidates has been extensive. As Brandon Lewis, Chairman of the Party explained to the BBC which was reproduced in this article, the new code of conduct requires all Conservatives standing for Parliament to “behave responsibly and show respect” and he went on to explain that Conservative candidates will be suspended from the party if they insult rivals. Although Brandon has not referred to the pledge in the context of existing MPs and MEPs, there would no point asking future candidates to sign something which did not have the full support and commitment of people like himself, the Cabinet and indeed all of the existing Parliamentary Party and the small group of MEPs still working in Brussels. One would hope over time the extensive number of Councillors would also subscribe to such a policy.

In the light of this weeks attacks on Jeremy Corbyn by Ben Bradley, Ben Wallace, Gavin Williamson and also my MEP Daniel Hannan, let alone others I have not spotted, it seems appropriate to call on Brandon Lewis to review the Respect Pledge and either rip it up or apply the suspension element to at least these three MPs and one MEP from the Party. One of the worst attacks on Corbyn came from Ben Bradley who happens to be one of Brandon’s deputies a the Youth Vice Chair of the Party. After being pursued through the courts Ben has apologised and agreed to pay compensation to two charities that Jeremy Corbyn has named. However he should be suspended as should the others or else all those being expected to sign the pledge will simply sign it and ignore it, or indeed if they are being asked to sign something they know to be worthless, those with integrity (unlike these Ministers and leading MEP) may well opt to stay outside of politics which is the very opposite of the reason that Brandon claims to have launched the pledge in the first place!