With no MPs outside Luton, the Labour Party is relying on their sole MEP in the region, Richard Howitt, to put their message across.  And what a confusing message that’s been.  Child allowances for Wayne Rooney, higher tax funded rents for Michael Meacher, truly they have stopped being the people’s party and become the parasites’ party, a gaggle of public sector middle managers fearing accountability and budget cuts.

As if to hone that message, Richard Howitt has rebelled against the Labour whip to vote for more money for the European Union at the same time that Chantry and Stoke Park High schools have lost their capital injections.

Is this anything to do with the fact that he claimed £78,248.42 in expenses?

When there looked like a clean sweep of the East of England MPs I remember thinking that having Howitt around would be good for democracy.  Now I wish UKIP got their third European seat here.  Just as mad, but more entertaining.