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How invigorating it is to welcome back the ghosts of Tory sleaze.

Mates, Asil Nadir and Parkinson flittered across our televison screens today churning up revuslsion at Tory blushes of the past. How long do we have to wait for Mellor and Archer to stage comebacks? This is not to say that Asil Nadir has ever done anything wrong. His flight to Northern Cyprus when faced with criminal charge is typical behaviour of innocents, especially those who have been let down by the 'buggers.' I have fond memories of Michael Mates' personal statement to the House that terminated his political persona. Good to see it replayed in the media today.

Proving that the anti-sleaze message has not reached the Tory party is a brand new CASH For Access stunt. Executives who buy £1,000-a-plate tickets to a fund-raising dinner at the Conservative Party conference will get to sit with ministers. Despite David Cameron's pledges to bring transparency to party funding, the identities of the businessmen will be kept secret. Of course. That will prove that the Tories are hiding nothing. The process is called transparency through secrecy. I hope you are paying attention to this fresh new century concept.

We in Labour used to do a bit of this in the bad old days. I objected then and never attended any fundraisng dinners. But the lesson has not been learned. The inaugural Conservative Party Business Dinner is being marketed as "an exclusive networking event" where guests will "enjoy fine wines and superb food with fellow business leaders" or more accurately spend cash to buy access.

Sleaze is re-born. Election promises disappear like the morning mist.