We must have all been pretty disgusted by the spectacle of former ministers - Stephen Byers, Patricia Hewitt and Geoff Hoon (all current MPs) touting for business - as seen on the Channel 4 Dispatches programme this week. But, were we surprised? Probably not.

After all that we have witnessed in this past year - we know that many MPs have a limited grasp on the concept of "public service" and the "public interest" and how these old-fashioned (as it seems) notions - at the heart of their own code of conduct - should trump personal interest every time.

The behaviour of this group displays very clearly the venal nature of many who presume to lead. Because of their presumption, we should be able to assume that they have leadership qualities. And of course, it could be said that they do. They have learnt from the "great leader" himself - Tony Blair.

How about this to exemplify the brand of leadership offered to his grubby band of followers by Mr Blair. He presided over a government that continued enthusiastically with de-regulation and a "light-touch" approach to "the city", started by the Conservatives under Thatcher. This leads, as day does to night, to the biggest "bust" we have seen in 60 years. What does he then do? He gets a job at J P Morgan an American Investment Bank at the heart of the "casino capitalism" that has brought us all low. It's like removing all the chicken wire while masquerading as a farmer and then morphing into a fox. Leadership? You can keep that kind of leadership Mr Blair - thanks for nothing.

And so, we should not be surprised that Stephen Byers sees being a "cab for hire" for £5,000 a day as quite reasonable and nothing to be concerned about. How about another metaphor Mr Byers? Why not try "parliamentary pimp", offering access to those who would prostitute their ministerial position to satisfy the profit-lust of some big business or another, and ensure that they personally have the key to the "revolving door" - to be used later (just as Mr Blair with his J P Morgan part time job at circa £1MILLION a year). "Public interest"? It's nowhere in the equation.

Reflect for a moment on why Darling and Brown are still, after all the damage the banks have done, reluctant to truly reign them in now. Just watch and see if/when they use their "key to the revolving door" after they are thrown out at the next election. Perhaps there's room over at J P Morgan for another "advisor". Gordo and Tony can rekindle their friendship with seats next to each other on the board. Sweet.

There are many MPs out there - intending to try and win their seats again. Many have behaved in ways as venal as displayed by this bunch of ex-ministers and the evidence is in their expenses claims. If your MP has displayed a lack of understanding that the "public interest" should trump their personal interest - every time? Then make sure they don't get your vote.

A good article in the Guardian on just this issue - "MPs should do it for love not money" : http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/mar/24/mps-politicians-comp...