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From The Sunday Times
November 11, 2007

Disgraced Aitken to head Tory jail reform study

David Cracknell, political editor

JONATHAN AITKEN, the former Tory cabinet minister who went to jail for perjury, has been rehabilitated into the political front line by David Cameron.

The Tory leader has appointed Aitken to lead a study into prison reform, it emerged this weekend. Cameron is supporting Aitken to head a policy task force for the Centre for Social Justice, the think tank which advises the Tory leader on social issues.

The appointment is likely to be seen as a remarkable comeback for someone who was jailed for 18 months in 1999 for “calculated perjury” during a libel action brought against The Guardian newspaper.

Aitken resigned as chief secretary to the Treasury in 1995 so that he could sue The Guardian over allegations that a Saudi businessman had paid for him to stay at the Paris Ritz in breach of ministerial rules. Launching the action, he had notoriously insisted that the “simple sword of truth” would help him to win.

The 65-year-old former minister confirmed that he would be heading the study for the think tank. “It is a cause dear to my heart for obvious reasons,” he said. “It is an assignment well worth taking extremely seriously. This isn’t an ego trip for me. This is a job to be done. I have a very good team who I think will help to do it well.”

Iain Duncan Smith, the former Tory leader who runs the think tank, will formally unveil the appointment tomorrow.

At his trial Aitken was accused of weaving a “web of deceit” by the judge. He served seven months of an 18-month sentence for “calculated perjury” and was said to have committed a “gross and inexcusable breach of trust” in asking his daughter Victoria, then 16, to sign a false witness statement.

His appointment is an undoubted risk for the Tories. But Duncan Smith said: “Everybody deserves a second chance, that is the whole philosophy of the Centre for Social Justice. I am a profound believer in never writing people off.”

Would you trust a politiian who have been convicted of perjury? No, of course not. So why do other politicians? Because, from a politician's viewpoint, perjury is not the crime - the crime is getting caught out.

Chris, Ashford, Middlesex,



Perhaps Mr Aitken will also take the opportunity of becoming an unpaid advisor to the National Probation Service. In a belated but commendable initiative.All Probation Boards( Trusts in 2008?) have been enjoined to have at least one ex-offender on their boards. With the Probation Service facing 'meltdown' due to impending budget and staffing cuts. He might be able to draw on his estimable connections and personal experience to advise this Government, on how not to go about prison reform?

mike guilfoyle, london, england

Dump anyone who dare express a popular (and probably accurate) opinion that "Enoch was right" then employ a jail-bird to carry out a review of prisons.

I don't question Aitken's qualifications - just his integrity.

Now I'm obviously too simple to understand these subtle Conservative tactics on how to present a credible alternative to New Labour.

R Bingham, Lauzun, France

This guy served his sentence and has been rehabilitated into society. He has not re-offended. Would that prison was always so successful.
Perhaps one of the reasons rehabilitation is considered pointless is because people will not give you a hearing even if you have successfully turned over a new leaf.

Sally C, York, Yorks.

"JONATHAN AITKEN, the former Tory cabinet minister who went to jail for perjury, has been rehabilitated into the political front line by David Cameron......" "Those whom the Gods would destroy, they first make mad..!"
The Conservative Party was at least half destroyed by the take-over by Blair; they would now seem to be intent upon completing their self anihilation.
S.Barraclough.

S. Barraclough, Huddersfield, W. Yorkshire

Isn't it strange how Cameron's mind works.
He speaks about 'sharing the proceeds of growth' giving the impression that he means with the less well off and then announces Inheritance tax proposals which really shows that he meant only sharing with the already rich.
He speaks about 'hugging a hoody' giving the impression that he is 'cool' about criminals and then, as his only gesture in this direction, offers an appointment to Aitken who is not exactly hard up.
Is the Heir-to-Blair just an old fashion Tory ?

David Dee, Canterbury,

Tipical Tories always giving to their own, there are a lot who would like a first chance let alone a second. Still it's the old boy's network again, I expect to be seeing J Archer back in the fold soon.

Jan, Rye, East Sussex

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