There’ll be no promotion for Maria Miller after her short, bitter apology

Maria Miller’s apology today to the House of Commons over her attitude to the investigation into her expenses was short, 32 seconds. But it was not sweet. Rather, it was bitter.

‘I wish to make a personal statement in relation to today’s report. The report resulted from an allegation made by the member for Bassetlaw. The committee has dismissed his allegation. The committee has recommended that I apologise to the House for my attitude to the Commissioner’s inquiries, and I of course unreservedly apologise. I fully accept the recommendations of the Committee, and thank them for bringing this matter to an end.’

Miller's tone and demeanour suggested that she thought she had little to apologise for. It was an apology as grudging as her cooperation with the investigation.