Baron Gorbals Of Sleaze
It’s almost impossible to believe. What to you give the first Speaker of the Commons to be ousted in 300 years?
A peerage.
It’s long been a traditional parting honour given to retiring Speakers, but Baron Martin of Springburn, of Port Dundas in the City of Glasgow as we must now learn to call him is a man with no honour. He will continue to be referred to on this blog as Gorbals Mick.
The Telegraph reported a variety of voices in the Upper House as opposing his elevation to the Lords back in May, although later reports indicated that Her Majesty would be required requested to bestow a title.
A poor day for the House of Lords, which has only managed to gain another failure as a member, and a corrupt one at that. Also a poor day for open politics as it slipped out without any fanfare. How many of us are regular readers of the London Gazette, after all?
As for words of congratulation upon this auspicious occasion, TheEye can’t summon up more than Sod Off (non-sweary blog!).
Hat Tip: Jonathan Isaby
Surely the Queen MUST start to take a stand – this is a sure way to lead to a republic.
Junius, the problem is that the Queen has backed away from using her powers so much that they seem to be there in name only now. Frankly I’d love her to do what she has the power to do and save the country by sacking Brown and calling an election.
My understanding of constitutional monarchy is that the Sovereign’s job is to protect the people from injustices caused by the Magnates and Barons ( House of Commons and House of Lords). Parliament is there to protect the people from injustices caused by the Sovereign. The Courts are there to sort out these injustices in a manner that is an alternative to civil war or revolution.
Why does everyone including HM sit there with their finger up their bum?