DISGRACED Tory Jonathan Aitken is the latest in a long line of political heavyweights to disappear beneath an avalanche of sleaze.

It is no surprise that the British voting public has become cynical about its politicians.

The sudden collapse of Mr Aitken's libel action against the Guardian and Granada television shocked hardened political observers and public alike, coming as it did after so much hyperbole on his part.

It left the waters in which our politicians sail looking murkier than ever.

But now, with a new prime minister and a new leader of the Tory party, things may be about to change.

There are genuine signs that both Tony Blair and William Hague are to take urgent action to sweep sleaze away from the ranks of their parties.

Could this be a watershed for British politics? If it is, it is long overdue. Within weeks of taking office Tony Blair has already suspended one MP and ordered an investigation into the activities of another .

More importantly he has pledged to put in place a law which would mean jail terms for MPs who were found guilty of corruption. At the moment no such law exists.

And William Hague announced within hours of taking over the leadership of his party that he will not tolerate any of the shenanigans which have heaped shame on the Tories in the last few years. He left his troops in no doubt that anyone who falls from grace will be out.

Their moves will be welcomed by a public sick to death of reading about the devious exploits of some MPs.

It will also come as a relief to the vast majority of MPs in all parties who, we believe, are honest, hard-working politicians eager to help their country and their constituents.

There is tremendous pressure on MPs from outside elements who put their own interests before those of the country. But politicians have to realise they are in the House of Commons to help run Britain, not feather their own nests by advancing the causes of opportunists eager to manipulate the system.

It is a massive responsibility. So it is encouraging to see that Messrs Blair and Hague have acted so promptly to stamp out sleaze.

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