contrition

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.

She said she could not forgive Norris because he has not "expressed any acceptance, any contrition and certainly has no humanity".