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‘What has happened in the United Kingdom, first with the so-called “Beergate” affair and now more recently with the controversies over the tax affairs of Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner seem distasteful to some. In both situations the serious accusations have turned out to be baseless, and the relevant authorities have taken no further action. But in the meantime, before these eventual outcomes, both cases received considerable political and media attention. Indeed, at times the front pages of some newspapers featured little else. Such weaponisation of the police as part of the political process is, of course, unwelcome. But it is hard, if not impossible, to say where the line should be. Other politicians, in other parties, are also currently subject to police investigations which may have political consequences. In Scotland, for instance, the ongoing investigation into the Scottish National Party has certainly been a setback for that party in an election year. The problem of the misuse of the legal process for political ends is unlikely to have any legal(istic) solution. If a matter is referred to the police then it should be a matter for the police whether to take it further. Ifa case is brought before a court then, similarly, what happens next should be for the court to decide. More rules cannot change this.