A new group,
Open Up, is calling for all MPs to submit themselves to an open primary before the next election. This is the one move, the campaign claims, that would do more than any other to purge the political system of the expenses scandal.
All campaigns overplay their hand. Open Up is no exception.
A renewal of our political system will take more than open primaries. But the campaign's message is a thoroughly good one and would begin the long process of reform.
How can it be taken forward? Take my own case. I have long campaigned for open primaries, especially in safe seats.
When I first mentioned this idea to colleagues a Parliament ago I was accused of simply wanting to draw attention to myself. "You know you will win so what's your point?", was the common retort.
I would now like an open primary in Birkenhead more than ever. I have been accused, with polite language, over my expenses.
I have replied to Sir Thomas Legg about the cost of my second home.
I await his reply but I still feel unclean. His letter bangs around in my head incessantly. This is the basis of my renewed interest in an open primary.
Such a move would allow my constituents to pass a specific judgement on the question of my expenses, but also my record as their MP. They would have a choice between me and other candidates wishing to stand in a safe seat.
This is not a choice that my constituents get in a general election. Whenever that occurs they also have to consider how their vote will affect the formation of a government and who will be Prime Minster.
So, over to you, Open Up. If I can persuade my local party to back me, will you come and organise the contest?
The Totnes open primary cost £40k. Does your campaigning extend to raising the money to put your idea into practice?
For you not to respond positively would be a lost opportunity to expand the means by which democracy is renewed in our country.
Failure to respond positively would also label Open Up as part of the campaign that is much enjoying denigrating MPs but which is not coming up with anything positive.
As MPs we have much to answer. But there is a huge danger in this expenses campaign. It is doing much to boost newspaper sales, but it has yet to begin influencing the renewal of our form of representative and responsible government.