I have to say Osborne's defence when questioned by Andrew Marr on the BBC this morning appeared decidedly dodgy...
He insisted he didn't break anti-sleaze rules by taking between £5k and £10k, as well as complimentary flights and accommodation from the Jersey Institute of Directors.
His problem is that Tory guidelines clearly state:
'Shadow Ministers should not solicit fees for broadcuasting, speaking engagements and articles. Fees should not be accepted if the subject matter relates directly to your Shadow Ministerial responsibilities.'
Ironically, we know what those rules say thanks to Mr Osborne's previous rather questionable conduct.
They were made public a few months ago when wee Georgie faced an investigation by the House of Commons Standards Committee into donations.
Then, the Committee upheld the complaints against him.
Other Tory frontbenchers now facing similar conflict of interest claims include Shadow schools secretary Michael Gove said to have received a donation from the director of an independent boarding school.
And Gove's deputy Tim Loughton apparently earns up to £35k a year as director of a company that provides camera equipment for schools.
Will Cameron enforce his own rules, or will he back wee Georgie and the rest...?
What do you think?
