Well , it has been a turbulent few days for Tory MP Derek Conway.
There he are, revelling in his anonymity, a figure of intense apathy among his constituents, and then a scandal rolls into view.
First he was censured for paying his younger son tens of thousands of pounds in public money for "work" for which there is no evidence.
Then he had to make a grovelly speech in the Commons apologising for effectively defrauding the tax payer.
That should have put an end to it all, except revelations come to light that he may have also had a previous similar arrangement with your elder son. And his wife also works for him.
Suddenly Tory leader David Cameron is withdrawing the whip, while opponents talk of police investigations.
Today Derek Conway effectively ended his career, annoucing that he would be stepping down at the next election.
Dozens of MPs who employ family members are jittery. Most of the A List of Tory candidates will be descending upon Old Bexley and Sidcup looking to take over this plum safe seat.
Poor old Derek. Only a week ago he must have been pretty confident of his career. Now it's over
As one wit put it, perhaps he is leaving to spend more time with his staff.
Here is how he explained his decision:
I have had tremendous support from my local party, my family and friendsbut have concluded that it is time to step down.
I stand by what I havesaid in relation to the report by the Commissioner of Standards and do not wish to add to those comments at this time.
Since joining the Conservative Party nearly 40 years ago I have had the privilege of serving in public office since 1974 and have done so to the best of my ability.
I have advised the Chief Whip and the chairman of my local Conservative Association that I shall not seek to continue as the Conservative Party Candidate for Old Bexley and Sidcup at the next election.
Though not an original supporter of David Cameron for the leadership of my party, I believe that he has shown he has both the ability and the character to be Prime Ministerof our country and I do not wish my personal circumstances to be a distraction in any way from the real issues that have to be addressed.
