contrition

But what was less clear is whether the party needs to show more contrition about how they arrived at such a low point.

The mitigation is meant for those who show contrition or really were unjustly convicted.

While Liberal Democrat Cabinet Office spokeswoman Lisa Smart said Andrew "should show some contrition by returning every penny of rent that he's not paid while disgracing his office".

But it was in a statement that showed little contrition and emphasised his innocence.

"By the next election there will be voters who haven't experienced a Conservative government in their adult life so that need for contrition is probably less," says Lynam.