The scandal over fraudulent residential and expense claims by Senators such as Duffy and Wallin has led to the resignation of Senators Duffy and Wallin from the Conservative caucus and the payment of Duffy's fraudulent residential allowance claims by the PM's Chief of Staff Nigel Wright has led to Mr. Wright's resignation. Mr. Harper has previously praised Mr. Duffy for paying back the amount he should not have claimed and has defended Ms Wallin's expense claims. Mr. Harper is accountable for Mr. Wright's actions and for the attempts to cover up this scandal. In doing so he has failed to discharge his ethical and constitutional responsibilities. Accordingly the only appropriate course of action is for him is to resign as Conservative leader and step down as Prime Minister.