Independence lost  

Yesterday was one of the best and worst days in Tony Wright's parliamentary life. The cerebral chair of the Public Administration Committee (PASC) triumphed when the 'Wright' proposals on parliamentary reform were approved by parliament. The whips on both sides were surly and resentful. Now the next parliament can wrest power from the executive.   At a private meeting in the morning a decision was made to invite Lord Ashcroft to explain his alleged failure for ten years to deliver on a promise. The committee is proud of its non-party independence. Many times Labour MPs have attacked Labour Government Ministers when they were wrong. Our unanimous decisions have embarrassed   many Labour ministers - recently on ASW pensions and Equitable Life.   Yesterday's meeting was private but it's reasonable to reveal that MPs of three parties were present and the decision to invite Ashcroft was...