Order!

It amuses me that the longer a House of Commons Speaker inhabits the role the more likely the disease of pomposity overtakes them. The prime example of this of course was John Bercow who relished the many chances (and every chance) he had to show off his polished put downs of the greatest in the land (n.b. most MPs think they are the greatest in the land). This disease may set in when the Speaker realises that they can no longer take sides in a debate, so have to resort to continual headmasterly interjections, even though they know that their injunctions against intemperance are doomed to fail. But they are impelled to cry ‘Order!’ at every moment often accompanied with the observation that people at home can’t hear the debate. Fatal error: only teenage obsessives (think William Hague) have any interest in what’s going on in the chamber. Lindsay Hoyle has certainly fallen into the pomposity pit with aplomb. All that’s missing from his rig is a mortarboard and cane. I have to say that one Speaker, if I recall, who wasn’t well disposed to issue pompous put-downs was the ill-fated Michael Martin. This avuncular chap never seemed all that keen on rousing himself to such energetic displays. He left the job prematurely during the ‘expenses scandal’ and quickly sunk into the obscurity of the House of Lords before popping his clogs. I bought a bottle of ‘Speaker Martin’s’ whiskey (signed by him even though he was a teetotaller) which I’m hoping will raise a bit of dosh at auction in December. Even if it only scrapes to its reserve, I think I’ll raise a glass to him. Bid now!