It is not often that we have cause to agree with Labour city councillor John Tanner. Nor do we publish many of the blatantly political letters he routinely sends to the Press. This week, Mr Tanner sounds positively statesmanlike in his call for us all to do our duty and elect honest, hardworking people to represent us in the June elections.

As we approach elections, in particular for representatives on our local county council, he makes a very good point.

This week, the Wantage MP Ed Vaizey has, like dozens of MPs, been forced to apologise and admit he was wrong to claim for antique and quality furniture for his home in his constituency.

His offence may not rank as great when compared to those of some of his Westminster colleagues, but it is part of a pattern that has enraged the nation.

The greatest challenge for Mr Vaizey will be in facing his constituents and explaining himself, particularly when he comes up for re-election.

MPs are facing their biggest challenge for decades. Public trust is at an all-time low and that could threaten our democratic system. Westminster has an obligation to sort itself out quickly to restore that trust.

We too, as participators in that democratic system, must be aware of the dangers. Elections to the county council and the European Parliament are two weeks away. Protest votes, or non-votes, will be high in everybody’s thoughts. We should not forget, however, that we are not voting for MPs this time.

Locally, we will be electing a new county council. Whatever one might think about the expenses paid to county councillors, the reality is that most of them work very hard for little reward. We should not allow justified concerns about MPs to cloud our judgement about any of the candidates on June 4.

Indeed, MPs might learn a thing or two about service to the community and hard work for little reward that the majority of our local representatives undertake.