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DAVID Cameron refused to support a ban on double-jobbing MPs last night — breaking a public promise he made before becoming Prime Minister.
Mr Cameron attempted to stop action being taken over the latest cash-for-access scandal having declared in 2009 that “double-jobbing MPs won’t get a look-in when I am in charge.”
In a desperate bid to divert attention from his U-turn, Mr Cameron launched another “tiresome” attack on trade unions.
He complained that Labour’s proposals would prevent MPs running a family business but allow them to work as a trade union official.
But his defence collapsed when it was pointed out that not a single MP also works for a trade union.
That compares to 91 Tories who split their commitment between Parliament and lucrative directorships or consultancies.
And Labour leader Ed Miliband called the PM’s bluff over the issue by amending the motion to include unions in the moonlighting ban.
He said: “What is in the motion today is something very specific which is being a paid director or a paid consultant.
“I have said from this despatch box we will also ban people being a paid trade union official, the offer you made to me, I repeat the offer to you.
“Let’s get it done, let’s agree this to restore the reputation of this House.”
The challenge came after senior Tory MP Malcolm Rifkind and Blairite Jack Straw were this week caught offering lobbying services for cash by an undercover film crew.
Mr Cameron stuck-up for two-job MPs, insisting that it was possible to be a good constituency MP while working in other jobs.
And he claimed “the biggest problem we have on that front is the fact the trade union movement own the Labour Party lock, stock and barrel.”
The Prime Minister was warned though that the public would see past his deflections.
“David Cameron is like a cracked record with his tiresome union bashing,” a Unite spokesman told the Star.
“Every week he obsesses from the despatch box and uses his position to wage class warfare on unions to dodge the questions put to him by Ed Miliband.”
