tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post6877753948639727751..comments2024-03-04T17:54:32.559+00:00Comments on Iain Dale's Diary: Widders Sniffs the Labour AirIain Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03270146219458384372noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-5841504856775088902009-05-22T16:31:43.083+01:002009-05-22T16:31:43.083+01:00If Brown wants to end the 'Gentleman's Club' then ...If Brown wants to end the 'Gentleman's Club' then I don't expect Michael Martin to be getting a peerage. Or am I wrong?Stephen Folanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15718095980097993947noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-1033122581180999372009-05-22T00:11:48.647+01:002009-05-22T00:11:48.647+01:00Surely her voice disqualifies her.
Anyone who's b...Surely her voice disqualifies her.<br /><br />Anyone who's been in public life for 30 years yet can't be bothered to learn to speak properly cannot possibly become the 'Speaker.'Tweedledumnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-47332934671649205142009-05-21T20:24:07.518+01:002009-05-21T20:24:07.518+01:00"a figure like Ann Widdecombe, who commands huge p..."a figure like Ann Widdecombe, who commands huge public recognition and popularity"<br /><br />You must be kidding. She represents all that's disliked about politicians.<br />Ignorant, arrogant, self opinionated, doesn't she just love telling us how to live our lives.<br />Anyone not already turned off politics by the recent scandals will be slitting their wrists.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-92186005702208895292009-05-21T19:43:13.059+01:002009-05-21T19:43:13.059+01:00If she should get it, next would be for her to wit...If she should get it, next would be for her to withdraw her position that she intends to stand down at the next election. She is respected, she takes no prisoners and very little outside "interests" as such. Go girl!!Lee Hhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16875324408085242297noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-45940234638467943822009-05-21T19:29:35.402+01:002009-05-21T19:29:35.402+01:00Sir Alan Beith has wide experience of parliament, ...Sir Alan Beith has wide experience of parliament, is respected across all parties, and is a reformer. I think the redoubtable Miss Widdecombe is far too partisan a figure to be a serious contender. <br /><br />PS Facebook group for supporters of Sir Alan Beith for Speaker here: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=101576603311&ref=tsJameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08421348487212137159noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-54665027936032213412009-05-21T18:52:57.999+01:002009-05-21T18:52:57.999+01:00I think Anne Widdecome would be perfect. Any seri...I think Anne Widdecome would be perfect. Any serious changing of the system - as needed here - will create resentment and ill feeling in many quarters.<br /><br />Anne can make the changes, then leave, allowing a new Speaker to come into a new system with a completely new slate and no resentment.<br /><br />There's no doubting Anne's capabilities or integrity. I think she would do well.Elliot Kanenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-90115488444744739142009-05-21T18:49:12.798+01:002009-05-21T18:49:12.798+01:00Much as I admire Ann Widdicombe's efforts to becom...Much as I admire Ann Widdicombe's efforts to become 'public friendly' I certainly don't think she could be impartial, in fact perhaps less than the outgoing Speaker.<br /><br />Too late Ann, you've shown yourself to be part of the Westminster luv-in, plus of course far too much exposure on the media.<br /><br />What happened to the weight loss?subrosahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00151702590329788260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-74031454349980404982009-05-21T17:42:21.542+01:002009-05-21T17:42:21.542+01:00"Maybe a figure like Ann Widdecombe, who commands ..."Maybe a figure like Ann Widdecombe, who commands huge public recognition and popularity"<br /><br />lol wide public reconition maybe but popular?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-61149148748386594502009-05-21T17:36:31.034+01:002009-05-21T17:36:31.034+01:00Anyone who supported exempting FoI and anyone who ...Anyone who supported exempting FoI and anyone who supported the Don Touhig amendment to retain the John Lewis list is out of the question.<br /><br />For any MP who was on the wrong side of those votes to become Speaker would be a slap in the face for the public and those on the side of reform.<br /><br />I like Anne Widdicombe as a character, whilst not agreeing with much of her politics, but she cannot and must not become Speaker.Morushttp://politicalbetting.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-50684738852226805572009-05-21T17:27:07.792+01:002009-05-21T17:27:07.792+01:00I think she has an air of authority and would do a...I think she has an air of authority and would do a good job - she's also 'clean' expense-wise. But I think she'd get more support if she agreed to delay retirement.<br /><br />All of that said, if it's a free vote, expect Labour back benchers to not have any compunction in doing their best to get YET ANOTHER Labour Speaker, regardless of the unspoken agreement that Lab/Cons take turns.Pam Nashhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07371835641538430316noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-36089734375659518272009-05-21T17:20:40.035+01:002009-05-21T17:20:40.035+01:00Chris Mullin is a possible interim speaker and one...Chris Mullin is a possible interim speaker and one keen to see reforms. Unlike, Frank Field, he'd get Labour votes and, unlike Bercow, Tory votes too. If he stuck to his current retirement planes, he'd leave the field clear for a Tory candidate in the new parliament.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-27832442691251566922009-05-21T17:15:09.985+01:002009-05-21T17:15:09.985+01:00As Gordon Brown doesn't have the "Courage" to call...As Gordon Brown doesn't have the "Courage" to call a general election then the only Speaker that this House should elect is an interim one. The election of a permanent Speaker should be by the new unsullied House.Not a sheephttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14123293202225008273noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-34973784904175444902009-05-21T17:10:10.522+01:002009-05-21T17:10:10.522+01:00Just another snout in the trough. Being Speaker f...Just another snout in the trough. Being Speaker for a day would entitle her to an extra £70,000 a year pension.<br /><br />She won't get any wotrthwhile support from Labour. The more vindictive Labour MPs will back Bercow, the more reasonable will back Sir George Young.Alexhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13775753218753337766noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-21117605342611238012009-05-21T17:07:22.196+01:002009-05-21T17:07:22.196+01:00Nevermind the Mother of Parliaments, Widders would...Nevermind the Mother of Parliaments, Widders would make it the Mary Poppins of Parliaments.<br /><br />Mind you, everyone scoffed when people started talking about Boris for Mayor.<br /><br />I wish that Tony Wright would stand. He is an active defender of Parliament and has a compelling and coherent prospectus for strengthening its power over the executive.<br /><br />I have placed a digest of a recent speech he gave on my blog, together with a link to the podcast:<br /><br />http://wrinkledweasel.blogspot.com/2009/05/tony-wright-mp-blogosphere-could.htmlWrinkled Weaselhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05291551539649118631noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-11241559369477327672009-05-21T17:06:01.311+01:002009-05-21T17:06:01.311+01:00Widdecombe being "up for it" as Iain suggests must...Widdecombe being "up for it" as Iain suggests must be a sight to behold.....<br /><br />Ive been calling for Ming for Speaker for the same reason; that he does command respect in the House and the Country. However his £10k makeover at Dolphin Sqare might have put paid to that.<br /><br />One the Lib Dem front people are seriously talking about Alan Beith and David Heath.<br /><br />What are the thoughts on the Glasgow NE byelection?<br /><br />Tories beat the Lib Dems in both Scottish byelections last year. Will this trend continue? SNP gain?SDWnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-23177443839359665052009-05-21T17:04:08.583+01:002009-05-21T17:04:08.583+01:00Oh dear can you imagine her shrieking Order order....Oh dear can you imagine her shrieking Order order. Get a grip Ian. Fearless Frank Field is the best candidate by a long long way and he does not have to be a stop-gap either. In fact a temporary speaker is the last thing needed. What is needed is someone with the strength of mind, cerebral qualities and broad respect that Martin lacked and a long term view. Widdecombe is not in the race at all and it is sad that you should be floating it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-47922299444209240952009-05-21T16:58:15.478+01:002009-05-21T16:58:15.478+01:00Lynn Featherstone, whiter than white. excellent Li...Lynn Featherstone, whiter than white. excellent Lib Dem MP. Lady of courage and intellect.<br /><br />A young woman and a fresh face. She would be a superb speaker- and she would grow into the job.<br /><br />Lynn Featherstone is the one!strapworldhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18228784526399929300noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-3078970334051590222009-05-21T16:57:15.103+01:002009-05-21T16:57:15.103+01:00Ann Widdecombe, Parliamentarian (source: theyworkf...Ann Widdecombe, Parliamentarian (source: theyworkforyou.com)<br /><br />Has spoken in 11 debates in the last year — <B>below average</B> amongst MPs.<br />Has received answers to 3 written questions in the last year — <B>below average</B> amongst MPs.<br />Is a member of 0 select committee (0 as chair).<br />Has voted in 49% of votes in parliament with this affiliation — <B>well below average</B> amongst MPs.<br /><br />Record on transparency:<br /><br />20 Apr 2007<br />Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill — Keep disclosure for MPs' expense<br /><B>absent</B>20 Apr 2007<br />Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill — Exempt only correspondence<br /><B>absent</B>18 May 2007<br />Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill — That the Question now be proposed<br /><B>absent</B>18 May 2007<br />Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill — Continue to disclose MPs' correspondence<br /><B>disagree</B>18 May 2007<br />Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill — Exempt constituents' letters only<br /><B>disagree</B>18 May 2007<br />Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill — Third Reading<br /><B>disagree</B>18 May 2007<br />Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill — Third Reading<br /><B>disagree</B>3 Jul 2008<br />MPs' allowances — External audits and no more furniture<br /><B>disagree</B>30 Apr 2009<br />MPs' financial interests — Full and complete registration<br /><B>disagree</B>30 Apr 2009<br />MPs' expenses — No lower limit for declaration<br /><B>absent</B>Nigelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-60807534526771250492009-05-21T16:56:33.069+01:002009-05-21T16:56:33.069+01:00I take it this is a bad joke?
Ms Widdicombe as a ...I take it this is a bad joke?<br /><br />Ms Widdicombe as a figure to look up to and to have confidence in?<br /><br />Try taking the blinkers off, Iain...<br /><br />She's an outspoken champion for her own opinions. Period.Madasafishhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06109237198481955714noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-45755754804793973862009-05-21T16:49:51.788+01:002009-05-21T16:49:51.788+01:00Is the really the record of someone you should fav...Is the really the record of someone you should favour as a reforming Speaker ?<br /><br />http://www.publicwhip.org.uk/mp.php?mpid=1701&dmp=996<br /><br />Ann Widdecombe seems to belong to the "we know better than you" tendency in government.Nigelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-52051957462788328932009-05-21T16:47:04.886+01:002009-05-21T16:47:04.886+01:00It is impossible to listen to that woman's voice w...It is impossible to listen to that woman's voice without wincing – it's like a weird demi-falsetto. <br /><br />I hope she's not seriously considering it - but, there again, I doubt she'd come through to win anyway.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-43152180379394535492009-05-21T16:47:03.687+01:002009-05-21T16:47:03.687+01:00If only Michael Portillo had still been a member o...If only Michael Portillo had still been a member of the House?<br /><br />http://www.plenty2say.comPlentyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06205851616053056137noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-2085142555077862682009-05-21T16:35:24.680+01:002009-05-21T16:35:24.680+01:00Widdecombe would be a good choice for an interim S...Widdecombe would be a good choice for an interim Speaker - and I believe that is what is needed right now. I'd be happy to see Frank Field in the position after the next election - but right now he is one of the few dissenting voices there is on the Labour back benches and it would only suit Gorfon Brown to have him muzzled (as the Speaker would be).<br /><br />As for Widdecombe being too "political - does anyone really believe that Martin was a paragon of balance? I think she'd be far more balanced than Martin - who was so unbalanced he verged on unhinged!Stanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15007863347348182876noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-88634136503293147632009-05-21T16:33:16.517+01:002009-05-21T16:33:16.517+01:00The public want reform of the system now, and aren...<I>The public want reform of the system now, and aren't prepared to wait until the next Parliament. </I>So you are against a general election now then?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-82699680997437301702009-05-21T16:31:50.050+01:002009-05-21T16:31:50.050+01:00"And though I hate to be petty, having to lis..."And though I hate to be petty, having to listen to her voice on every report of proceedings in Parliament would be a little too much."<br /><br />Don't agree & a huge improvement on the late lament.......BOF2BShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00100945423739527013noreply@blogger.com