Denis MacShane found no sympathy from the Labour hierarchy when it was announced that the Met was investigating his rather controversial expenses claims. He instantly had the whip removed and was hung out to dry. However that was the last we heard…

Since then he has slowly crept back closer and closer to the central hub of Labour MPs in the House and was sitting comfortably this afternoon with Chuka Umunna, Chris Byrant and Rachel Reeves. If he has been suspended, why do his former colleagues at best turn a blind eye, or at worst keep him in the fold despite the fact he has disgraced himself? It’s been over five months since his file was passed to the CPS…

Will Labour still be so welcoming if he goes to trial?