Interesting to see that Southend West’s very own political brawler David Amess is running for the vacant deputy speaker position at the House of Commons.
For those who aren’t quite as familiar with Parliamentary kremlinology, the deputy speaker — or Deputy Chairman of the Ways and Means — is basically John Bercow’s assistant. He annoys fellow MPs when Mr Bercow is otherwise engaged.
There’s probably some joke I could make about politicians all being accomplished “speakers”, and the accompanying hot air Parliament, but I won’t insult your intelligence…
It doesn’t seem like dear David is in the front running for the job, which would inflate his salary over the £100k mark, but according to that infamous political abrasive Guido Fawkes, he made a good stab at convincing Labour MPs last night:
“Colleagues, I know my limitations. I don’t like pomposity, bullying or cruelty. And for those of you who don’t like me, think of the prize: never to hear me droning on again or making a partisan speech!”
Which is an interesting argument, to say the least. As tempting as it might be never again to have to hear Amess wax lyrical from the green benches, my thoughts are drawn to the residents of Southend West. If Amess wins the unlikely fight, then by parliamentary convention his constituency will be voiceless in Parliament until 2015 at the earliest.
Why does he want the job:
“The fact is, I really fancy this job, I wouldn’t mind the salary and I’d love the prestige that goes with it.”
Nice to know where his priorities are, I guess.
The View from the Pier 