I hear that Ann Widecombe is to appear in panto this coming Christmas season

Ann Widecombe will be playing the part of 'Widdy in Waiting' in a run of the panto Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in Dartford. This set me thinking, in a political panto who woud pay which parts?

I will start off with some obvious ones, please feel free to add  you suggestions in the comments:
Wicked Stepmother - Cherie Blair
Idle Jack - Ed Miliband

If you need some help with characters and  plots then may I suggest a trip to here

Floating voters

I really don't understand how anyone can be so disengaged from everyday life as to be a floating voter. A non-voter, a plague on all your houses dispenser, a politics is boring believer yes; but a floating voter? What do these floating voters expect to happen over the next few weeks? What revelation do they think they will be privy to?

Just make your bloody minds up...

Surely this must be the first piece of video of Ann Widecombe and Peter Tatchell singing the same words. Top marks to Nigel Farage, nicely judged performance.

Ann Widdecombe talks sense on climate change

The last two weeks I have heard quite a lot of Ann Widdecombe as I cannot bear Victoria Derbyshire's Radio 5 show and in the absence of Vanessa Feltz BBC Radio London has been off-limits. So I have been dipping in and out of TalkSport and LBC; and the last two weeks LBC have hadd Ann (no "E") Widdecombe hosting their morning phone-in. She's not at all bad, not a polished presenter by any means but she talks a fair amount of sense and doesn't keep going "nnnh". She does like to summarise what each caller says after each call, but after a while, I have found that quite endearing.

Today I read something in Ann's interview with Total Politics that I found interesting:

"It so happens that I know that an awful lot of people in our party - and by that I mean a lot - are deeply unhappy with the way that we've signed up apparently quite blindly to the climate change agenda. It isn't that they don't want sensible things like recycling, it isn't a silly rebellion. But there is a deep unease that we're rushing in virtually to a theology: those who asked questions are 'deniers'. The language is theological. We're rushing in to what has become a theology imposed by the equivalent of what has become the mediaeval church and that nobody's allowed to question it. And that even by questioning it, you're doing the world a massive disservice and bringing it under perdition. A lot of us are very unhppy but when it came to a division on climate change; three of us actually opposed the bill. I was almost surprised that there were that many. Supposing instead of three of us, there had been so many of us that there were a few votes in the balance. That becomes a much bigger question. It's easy to be one of three. It's very difficult to be one of three who make a difference and embarrass the party big time by doing so."

Well said Ann, but why have I only found out your views on Climate Change nine months before a general election when you will be standing down? Maybe you could publicise your view a bit more when you leave Parliamentary politics...

I also am cheered to read that Ann's Favourite comedian is Ken Dodd; unfashionable but great entertainment, rather like Ann Widdecombe.

It's not your money, it's ours!

Speaker Bercow is showing that he has as much idea about the feelings of the people who pay his salaries as his predecessor. Admittedly Michael Martin spent £724,600 on refurbishing the residence between 2000 and early 2008, plus a further £992,000 on the garden and improved security, whilst John Bercow has only ordered redecorations costing £20,659.36, but that is so far. The Telegraph reports that:

"£3,600 has been spent on fitting locks to the windows and having workmen check that access ducts in the wall panelling are lockable or childproof. A further £3,880 has been spent on planters to provide additional child safety on the terrace. One of the two studies is to become a playroom, with £1,087 spent on redecorating it. The note suggests putting washable paint over existing paper. For the drawing room, a £6,764.30 sofa suite has been ordered, together with window seat cushions costing £760. In the kitchen, a new large clock is being provided at a cost of £80, together with a noticeboard and blackboard, costing £86.73, a hob guard at £47.88 and an additional high-level pulley clothes airer. The utility room is being remodelled at a cost of £497 in order to provide more hanging space. The floor in the room, and in the bathroom, is being replaced. A double bed is being bought from Ikea for the housekeeper’s apartment for £479. It is understood that a further £20,000 has been allocated to cover general maintenance."

The new chief trougher, or rather a spokesman justified the expense with the inevitable "will nobody think of the children?" type statement:

"The Speaker believes that these are reasonable costs and they reflect the fact that he has a young family to accommodate. He believes people can see that it is not extravagance and that the money has been spent wisely, for example the bed that he has brought in is from Ikea".

In fact what it really shows is that he can be frugal but only where his family housekeeper is concerned.

The part of the report that really pissed me off though is when John Bercow is reported to have

"told Commons staff that he will personally pay for other items such as a children’s Wendy house that will go on the terrace, and a climbing frame for Speaker’s Green, adjacent to the apartment."

I'm sorry, of course he should pay for those items, he's not doing the taxpayer a favour by paying for them. Has he still not got it? His children are his, not ours. We will, reluctantly, pay for essentials but Wendy houses and climbing frames are not essentials. Mind you neither are large clocks, window seat cushions etc. etc. etc. What does he think his huge salary is for? Does he think that his salary is all to go into savings whilst the taxpayer pays for all his living expenses?

I did also enjoy(!) this piece of self-justification:

"While the new Speaker’s spending is certain to attract criticism, he will argue he has spent far less than his predecessor, Mr Martin, and point out that the changes had to be made because of his children."

"He has spent far less than his predecessor"; is that a valid excuse? First, Bercow has only be in position a few months, so give him time. Second is he promising that this will be the end of the expenditure? Third would a murdering doctor get off because he has killed less people than Dr Harold Shipman? As for the children explanation; maybe that was another reason to elect Ann Widecombe rather than John Bercow.

I do hope that the rumours of a credible candidate being prepared to stand against John Bercow come the next general election are true. I wonder if I can move my vote from my current constituency to Buckingham as I actually think I would enjoy seeing John Bercow unseated almost more than my current Labour MP.

The next Speaker of the House of Commons

Now that Michael Martin has finally noticed that he is about as popular as his mate Gordon Brown and announced his resignation for just over a month's time, the race is on the be the new Speaker. What could be finer than luxurious Westminster apartments, a large entertainment budget and lots of foreign jaunts.

Already the just about Conservative MP, John Bercow, who seems to have spent much of the last few years buttering up Labour MPs, possibly for just this opportunity, looks like jumping into the fray and the BBC seem like they might look favourably upon him. He would meet the "fairness" doctrine of being a Conservative but so loosely that the Labour/BBC alliance could support him.

Other possible candidates include Sir Alan Haselhurst, one of the deputy Speakers, who the BBC carefully talk down in their "Speaker: Runners and riders". In fact the whole BBC list is a fine example of how the BBC try and set the agenda, so here it is with my comments:

"ALAN BEITH - CONFIRMED CANDIDATE

Veteran Lib Dem MP, with more than 30 years experience. Former party leadership contender. Chairman of the constitutional affairs committee. Respected figure who was in the running for the job in 2000. Has told his local newspaper, the Newcastle Journal, he plans to stand again this time: "This is a crucial time for the House of Commons and if I have enough support across the parties, I am willing to take on the task of leading reform as Speaker. But it is a matter for the House to decide.""
Lib Dem and therefore preferable, in the BBC's mind, to a Tory


SIR GEORGE YOUNG - YET TO CONFIRM

Conservative grandee and widely-respected chairman of the Standards and Privileges Committee. One of the bookmakers' favourites to land the job of Speaker after missing out in 2000. But Eton-educated background may count against him in the eyes of Labour MPs. Ladbrokes make him 8/1.
After all the "class war" accusations made by and on behalf of Michael Martin, the BBC have to try and start another one. I presume if the BBC can get it out there that having gone to Eton disbars one from becoming Speaker then maybe they could do the same for putative Prime Ministers. Is there a Labour equivalent of "Conservative Grandee"? There must be a phrase to describe the sort of long-serving Labour MP who is part of the Labour establishment...


SIR ALAN HASELHURST -YET TO CONFIRM

Conservative MP and deputy speaker. Widely-respected figure who also served as deputy to former Speaker Betty Boothroyd. Another favourite at the bookmakers but being singled out by The Daily Telegraph for claiming £142,119 in second homes allowances since 2001, despite having no mortgage on the property, will not help his chances. Joint favourite at 4/1 with Frank Field, according to Ladbrokes.
"Widely-respected" at the moment but let's see if the BBC can change that with mention of his expenses.


SIR MENZIES CAMPBELL - YET TO CONFIRM

Former Liberal Democrat leader. Respected for his integrity on all sides of the house and was one of the favourites to land the job last time. But chances may be hampered by criticism of his second home allowance claim.
A real BBC favourite and not a Tory... Odd how Alan Hazelhursts second home allowance figure is detailed but Sir Menzies' is just alluded to.


FRANK FIELD -YET TO CONFIRM

Maverick former Labour minister who sometimes seem more respected on Opposition side of the house - which may count against him if he decides to run. Led successful campaign to reverse 10p tax band cut. Has also led calls for wholesale reform of the Commons.
Nice choice of words here; "maverick" I presume because he did "think the unthinkable" and not back down. I also like the fact that the sucessful candidate must be acceptable to Labour which seems to mean be a loyal Labour MP, do the BBC understand the history of the Speaker's role?


JOHN BERCOW - YET TO CONFIRM

Backbench Tory MP. Former right winger, who has moved towards the centre in recent years. Thought to have the backing of several Labour MPs for the Speaker's job but may not be popular enough with his own side to stand a realistic chance. Ladbrokes have him at 8/1.
"Moved towards the centre", surely moved right through the centre and heading left. No mention of Jhn Bercow's expenses, why?


SIR PATRICK CORMACK -YET TO CONFIRM

Veteran Tory backbencher who was in the running for the job last time. Chairman of the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee. Expert on constitutional affairs but may be seen as too much of a traditionalist to lead changes demanded by most MPs.
I wouldn't disagree but again a Conservative MP with negative points.


CHRIS MULLIN - YET TO CONFIRM

Former Labour minister and diarist, with an independent-minded streak. Standing down at the next election but has been talked of as a possible interim candidate for Speaker, who might gain the necessary cross-party support.
An interesting choice, again positively spoken of as he is a Labour MP.


TONY WRIGHT - YET TO CONFIRM

Widely-respected chairman of the public administration committee, who has led a number of investigations into the conduct of MPs and civil servants. Has been talked of by some as a possible contender from the Labour benches.
More positive coverage of a Labour candidate.


VINCE CABLE -YET TO CONFIRM

Well-known figure with the public who would also be respected on all sides of the house. May wish to stick with the Lib Dem Treasury brief with which he has made his name.
The BBC's favourite economics expert, often the only opposition MP allowed to voice his opinions on the BBC. The BBC would be loathe to lose him as then they might have to interview a Tory.


SYLVIA HEAL - YET TO CONFIRM

Labour MP and deputy speaker. Sister of Labour MP Ann Keen, who organised Michael Martin's successful campaign for the Speakership in 2000.
No mention of Ann Keen's troughing exploits?


RICHARD SHEPHERD - YET TO CONFIRM

Independent-minded veteran Tory MP, first elected in 1979. Has led criticism of Speaker Martin. Stood unsuccessfully for the Speakership in October 2000. Ladbrokes makes him 14/1.
I think the BBC are unsure about this one as this one is in note form, maybe still waiting for No 10's steer.


ANN WIDDECOMBE - RULED HERSELF OUT

The former shadow home secretary is one of Parliament's best-known and most respected figures. Has said she is definitely standing down at the next general election and appeared to pour cold water on the idea of doing the Speaker's job on an interim basis in a BBC interview, after allies on the Tory benches talked up her chances of landing it.
The BBC don't agree with much of Ann Widecombe's views and would hate to see her as Speaker, hence the talking down of the chances of her standing as an interim candidate. Of course an interim candidate is the Labour/BBC's nightmare scenario as that means that the new Parliament, a Parliament likely to have a large Conservative majority, might elect as Speaker someone who the opposition benches might think unsuitable, rather as the 1997 Labour Party did. This is not how the Speaker should be elected but by deviating from the convention of alternating Speakers (in 1997) the Labour party have likely brought this into happening.