I left because I became a journalist and then a writer and preferred to be free of formal party affiliation.

A less rigid membership and more open selections will, of course, loosen party affiliation as well as broaden it.

Some might argue that the removal of pay would be socially divisive but MPs already are divided by income, education and party affiliation.

The only information given was their party affiliation - but surely this election is about individuals, not political parties?

Others have proved politically inconsistent, taking seriously their pledge to decide cases according to the law rather than party affiliation.