COMMENT: Cam dine with me

This weekend's revelations that Cruddas, the Tory party vice-treasurer, had been caught trying to sell influence/appointments with David Cameron shouldn't come as any surprise.

Sure, the opposition will make the most out of the latest dubious cash for dinner revelations but if they're honest none of the major parties are without those who wish to buy themselves a greater influence with the party leaders.

How Labour can complain about large donations made from businessmen to the Tories while they themselves receive huge amounts from the unions is beyond me. Unions buying influence with Labour, a practise that's bedevilled the left wing of politics for decades, is a thoroughly disingenuous and dishonest system.

Some say that state funding of parties is the solution. I'm not convinced. State funding favours existing parties and, indeed, favours parties over independents which has to be a bad thing.

There are laws that require openness and honesty. All donations over £7,500 have to be declared. Clearly, some feel that they have a right to bypass the law and buy influence with policy makers.

Let's be honest, party politics is intrinsically corrupt. Parties are, themselves, coalitions of opinions and have to find ways of attracting attention and support.

Personally I'd favour an end to party politics, with all MPs being independents able to vote freely on every subject, no whips and no dodgy donations to have an influence on party policy.