What happens to Peter Hain next and whether he emerges with his reputation restored depends on the results of a police investigation.

As last year’s cash-for-honours fiasco shows, the mere fact of a police inquiry does not mean that clear-cut evidence
of criminal wrongdoing will emerge. But the verdict of the Electoral Commission that it had seen enough to warrant calling in the police meant Mr Hain had no choice but to depart the Cabinet.

If he had not resigned he would surely have been sacked, even by such a ditherer as Gordon Brown. So giving the impression that his resignation was step one in a carefully thought-out recovery plan was just another act of spin.

Mr Hain has many questions left to answer about the financing of his failed Labour deputy leadership bid. And a stronger Prime Minister would have dismissed him far sooner and replaced him with a more seasoned and impressive operator than James Purnell.

Perhaps Mr Brown is reluctant to surround himself with big political figures because he knows that he is not up to the job. Or perhaps Labour is so exhausted after nearly 11 years in power that there are no capable figures available for selection.

Either way, yesterday’s events merely add to the overwhelming impression of a Government on its last legs.