And another thing…

GREAT pub quiz question, this: who succeeded John Smith as leader of the Labour Party?

The answer is, of course, Margaret Beckett. As Smith’s deputy, she assumed the full title on his death, not just that of interim leader.

I was reminded of this little historical nugget when I was in the Government Whips’ Office earlier today. On the far wall there are the framed photographs of every Labour leader since the founding of the party (the serving leader always occupies his or her own spot on a separate wall). And I noticed that Margaret’s picture has recently been slotted in between Smith’s and Tony Blair’s.

And quite right, too. An omission that should have been corrected much earlier.

HAVING been given a sneak preview of today’s ballot paper for the election of the Speaker, I may have to revise my view that there’s no whipping operation for Margaret Beckett.

Still, good to see that the paper has the authentic look of something that’s been produced by the House of Commons authorities.

What do you think?

Ballot paper

GOOD to see there are people in both parties who are able to talk some sense in these troubling times.

Margaret Beckett was absolutely right when she told Sky News that the Conservatives are making themselves vulnerable to the charge that they’re bullying the police in the Damian Green affair (“Greengate” anyone?).

And David Davis has actually managed to climb down from his high horse long enough to deliver some much-needed common sense from the Tory side by pointing out that those calling for the Speaker’s resignation are reducing the debate to nothing more than a squalid tribal battle.

I hope his party is listening. But I doubt it.