New Labour, new hypocracy

It has just been revealed that the former Education Secretary, Ruth Kelly (pictured right), has sent her child to a private school because she believes her local school can't meet his educational needs. Her statement defends her decision and her right to do what is best for her children. I have no problem with that sentiment.

But surely what her statement should have said is this :

"For many years I have been a leading member of a Government that has actively worked to remove the choice of parents to send their children to private schools. Indeed, as Secretary of State for Education, I was the standard bearer of this particular ideology. I now understand that I was wrong and that the state school system cannot meet the needs of all of the country's children. Since I believe that a mother's first duty is to her children I have no option but to act in direct opposition to one of my Government's core policies. It is clear that I therefore cannot in all honesty continue to remain as a Cabinet Minister. I do not believe that any decent person with a conscience could defend such a hypocritical position. I therefore resign my cabinet position so that I can spend more time with my children".

Now, wouldn't that be refreshing, eh?