THE recent scandal regarding MPs’ expenses has obscured something which is far more serious – the appointment of non-elected persons to government.

In 1963, when Lord Home became Prime Minister he resigned his title and fought a by-election. But the arrogance of the present Government and its contempt for the electorate shows that it believes that such a move is unnecessary.

So we now have the most important person in the Government, since Gordon Brown has lost all credibility, sitting in the House of Lords and accountable to no one. And we shall soon have two more peers in high positions of government.

This whole affair further shows the hypocrisy of those who claim to be public servants.

Had this occurred under a Conservative administration what an uproar there would have been.

Democracy is being eroded. It’s strange that a government that is so determined to cling to power at all costs should take steps that are so unpopular.

Peter Elliott, Eaglescliffe, near Stockton