Tory Neil Parish was named as the MP who allegedly watched porn on his phone in the Commons far too late.
The Conservatives have now suspended him from the parliamentary party pending an investigation by the standards commissioner.
But the Tory whips had known this information for days. Instead of suspending the MP immediately, for some reason they sought to keep his name under wraps.
This delay was insulting to female MPs who raised objections and also showed a shameful reluctance to tackle the laddish culture that persists in much of the party.
This attitude is typical of the behaviour of Boris Johnson’s Conservatives.
The Prime Minister has refused to sack ministers who break the ministerial code.
He tried to rig the system to prevent Owen Paterson from being suspended and sought to block an inquiry into his own lawbreaking.
When a party has lost its moral compass, it is hardly surprising one of its members feels no shame in watching smut at work.
Reform or die
Like all institutions, the monarchy must adapt if it is to survive.
That is why Prince William is right to want to make sure the Royal Family is in tune with the country it wishes to serve.
The case for reform is underlined by William and Kate’s Caribbean tour, where some images and events harked back to colonial days.
The Cambridges, reportedly bruised by negative headlines about their trip, are determined to modernise the monarchy.
Reforming a household steeped in tradition is a challenge but the Prince deserves credit for recognising the need for change.
El of a cheek
Spanish authorities are rationing the amount of booze holidaymakers can enjoy as part of their all-inclusive breaks.
The sneaky rule change is aimed at stopping loutish behaviour but many tourists will regard it as a kick in the Balearics.
