Bernard Ingham: I'd vote for higher standards in our corrupted public life

To avoid that mistake, I am setting out the philosophy that would guide any government I might form in my dreams on May 7. It is a statement of beliefs from which would flow policies and by which my consistency

could be judged.

First, I do not believe that socialism works, whether the old Kremlin's red-in-tooth-and-claw variety or New Labour's pale pink brand that dare not speak its name. It is idealism gone mad and ignores human nature. This does not mean that the average Labour politician is bad, just, frankly, misguided.

Nor do I think that left to itself capitalism works either, though it does deliver the goods. Human greed has to be curbed just as exploitation of others, including through the welfare state, needs to be stamped on.

Fortunately, it is in the nature of man to want to better himself – and often his fellow men – so we must encourage and channel this human instinct for the wider public good.

In many ways, the argument over big or small government misses the point. The crucial test is whether any instrument of government is necessary. Some – the protection of the realm, the currency, the weak and law and order – are absolutely vital. Beyond that, the only question to be asked is whether we could just as well do without them.

The result may not significantly reduce the number of ministries but it would certainly cut the cost of government, which has become bloated, manifestly inefficient and a burden on job-creating business. It has also become less and less accountable the more governance has been delegated to unelected quangos, many of which are unnecessary.

It follows from all this that I would seek to lift the burden of the state in terms of cost, regulation and interference from the backs of people and reward individuals for their efforts and responsibility. That is the only basis on which we can restore a nation worthy of being called Great Britain.

In short, our country would be rebuilt on the exercise of personal

freedom and responsibility under the law. My instincts are for incentives not penalties, except for those who break the law and exploit their fellow men.

But we have a problem that will not be faced at this election any more than at previous ones. That is Europe. I have no wish to interfere with free trade or voluntary co-operation with European countries. I am not anti-European as such, but I am resolutely opposed to the way the EU is developing.

Moreover, I cannot build what David Cameron would call a "Big Society" if I cannot govern it. Much of British law is now laid down in

Brussels. That cannot go on.

Accordingly, I formally give notice that, if elected, I would seek to renegotiate our membership of the European Union. This, like everything else I seek to do, would take time, but I would not allow it to run into the long grass.

As a token of my determination, I would immediately repatriate fishing rights within territorial waters, put a cap on EU immigration and replace EU human rights legislation with a brief but blunt British charter of responsibilities.

This brings me to the greatest obstacle after the urgent need to restore British solvency. It can be summarised in one word: standards.

I wish it were not true, but 13 years of New Labour have shot our standards to bits. The whole system has been corrupted whether by spin, persistent Ministerial lying, calculated deceit, politicisation of the

Civil Service, cronyism or a chronic failure to deliver on promises.

This has had a damaging effect on the conduct of the nation's public and private business. Either a Prime Minister's word is his bond or it isn't. If it isn't, then God help that country for, like a fish, a nation rots from the head down.

As I forecast in my book, The Wages of Spin, British governance is now in a state of decay. Only the highest standards of probity will serve after May 6. If I had anything to do with it, the UK would be a much more rigorous place after the election. You – and especially

politicians – have been warned. I do not offer an easy ride.