TopGun Posted 10 April, 2010 Share Posted 10 April, 2010 (edited) There are a few I think are trying to do the right thing. I like both Alan Whitehead and John Denham as they are both sensible MPs for Southampton and not egotists within Labour. I like Hilary Benn for being practical. I like Ken Clarke for his robustness. I'd have a drink with Charles Kennedy too. Edited 10 April, 2010 by TopGun Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LGTL Posted 10 April, 2010 Share Posted 10 April, 2010 Vince Cable. I'd rather have him in charge of the economy then either Darling or Osbourne. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saintandy666 Posted 10 April, 2010 Share Posted 10 April, 2010 Alistair Darling has proven himself to be his own man in recent months, and has stood up to brown and to be fair has been proven to be right on many issues people doubted him on. This has meant he is basically unsackable at the moment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IamLeGod Posted 10 April, 2010 Share Posted 10 April, 2010 Most admit. The Tory MP in my home constituency of Ruislip, Nick Hurd (son of Douglas Hurd) does actually seem a good bloke and interested in trying to help in the constituency. Fought hard to keep open the local cancer hospice and came over very well in the Expenses Scandal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnny Bognor Posted 10 April, 2010 Share Posted 10 April, 2010 Vince Cable. I'd rather have him in charge of the economy then either Darling or Osbourne. I'd rather have Ken Clarke, the most successful chancellor in modern history. He's got form and it's good. I watch This Week (after question time) and have to say that Portillo would make a great PM. When in govt, he was an arrogant ****, but I think over the last 10 years he has moderated, carries himself well and is in touch with the public. I also have admiration for conviction politicians, even if I don't agree with their politics. The Tony Benn's of this world are alas a dying breed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheaf Saint Posted 10 April, 2010 Share Posted 10 April, 2010 Vince Cable. I'd rather have him in charge of the economy then either Darling or Osbourne. +1. The only other politician I ever really had any great respect for is sadly no longer with us - Mo Mowlam. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnny Bognor Posted 10 April, 2010 Share Posted 10 April, 2010 +1. The only other politician I ever really had any great respect for is sadly no longer with us - Mo Mowlam. Watched that TV drama about Mo, yes RIP. That Medelsome fella stitched her up big time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dune Posted 10 April, 2010 Share Posted 10 April, 2010 I'd rather have Ken Clarke, the most successful chancellor in modern history. He's got form and it's good. I watch This Week (after question time) and have to say that Portillo would make a great PM. When in govt, he was an arrogant ****, but I think over the last 10 years he has moderated, carries himself well and is in touch with the public. I also have admiration for conviction politicians, even if I don't agree with their politics. The Tony Benn's of this world are alas a dying breed. I agree with everything you said about Portillo, perhaps it's an age thing but he's certainly less smug looking now. I also watch this week and it has be said that that Diane Abbott is thick as ****. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dune Posted 10 April, 2010 Share Posted 10 April, 2010 My all time favourites would Douglas Hurd for the Tories, Dennis Skinner for Labour, Paddy Ashdown for the Liberals. All different, but what you see is what you get with them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bridge too far Posted 10 April, 2010 Share Posted 10 April, 2010 I agree with everything you said about Portillo, perhaps it's an age thing but he's certainly less smug looking now. I also watch this week and it has be said that that Diane Abbott is thick as ****. I don't have time for her either but it's silly to say she's thick. She went to Cambridge University - not the normal pattern for a 'thick' person. I think she and Portillo work very well together. Apparently they were at school together! But she is more Tory than Labour in my view. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sadoldgit Posted 10 April, 2010 Share Posted 10 April, 2010 One of the few I have respected over the years was David Owen. Vey level headed and spoke a lot of sense. He belived that cabinets should be formed of thebest people for the job i.e. perhaps a Chancellor from the Lib Dems, Home Sectretary from the Tories etc. Adverserial politics is very destructive. Once the country has voted all parties should pull together for the good of the country. WE also nedd to chaneg the voting system so that the Parliament respesents votes caste. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saintsmike25 Posted 10 April, 2010 Share Posted 10 April, 2010 John Denham without a doubt. Stood down over the Iraq war and has always turned down the major roles and not been an egotist. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnny Bognor Posted 10 April, 2010 Share Posted 10 April, 2010 My all time favourites would Douglas Hurd for the Tories, Dennis Skinner for Labour, Paddy Ashdown for the Liberals. All different, but what you see is what you get with them. Yep, Paddy Pantsdown def gets my vote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dune Posted 10 April, 2010 Share Posted 10 April, 2010 One of the few I have respected over the years was David Owen. Vey level headed and spoke a lot of sense. He belived that cabinets should be formed of thebest people for the job i.e. perhaps a Chancellor from the Lib Dems, Home Sectretary from the Tories etc. Adverserial politics is very destructive. Once the country has voted all parties should pull together for the good of the country. WE also nedd to chaneg the voting system so that the Parliament respesents votes caste. The boundaries certainly need to be looked at because they strongly favour Labour. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timebomb Posted 10 April, 2010 Share Posted 10 April, 2010 I used to admire Ken Clarke in his out of government years, but disagreed with him and his constant support and campaigning for the tobacco lobby. I detested Portillo during his government days but quite like the man now. Another politician would be Boris Johnson who doesn't seem to take himself too seriously, I laughed when that C**t Michael Howard sent him to Liverpool to apologise for his gaff in the Spectator that he didn't even write. Tony Ben stands out as a real conviction politician as did Foot ,both fought for what they believed unlike the newer bunch who seem more concerned with their careers. I used to be a very political person but with all the current scandals I cant get the enthusiasm for it like I used to. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SNSUN Posted 10 April, 2010 Share Posted 10 April, 2010 I met Michael Trend as a kid, my mum used to work in the Windsor Tory office as a secretary, and once or twice I bumped into him. Seemed like a nice bloke, from what I remember of him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dune Posted 10 April, 2010 Share Posted 10 April, 2010 I'm suprised none of the Labour supporters have nominater Peter Mandelson. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harvey Posted 10 April, 2010 Share Posted 10 April, 2010 I'm suprised none of the Labour supporters have nominater Peter Mandelson. As soon as he was 'invited back', it was obvious that Labour had lost it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harvey Posted 10 April, 2010 Share Posted 10 April, 2010 Oh..........Norman Baker btw. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saint_stevo Posted 10 April, 2010 Share Posted 10 April, 2010 conor burns Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colinjb Posted 10 April, 2010 Share Posted 10 April, 2010 Daniel Hannan. (Ok, an MEP, but still...) Love the way he 'served' Gordon Brown at the European government. A man of conviction in his own ideas and not afraid to challenge convention. A future prime minister himself if I ever saw one, yet I fear he may always be considered slightly too radical for those controlling the Tory Party to let up the ladder. Also, Mo Mowlem. Coventry's finest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
View From The Top Posted 10 April, 2010 Share Posted 10 April, 2010 I'd rather have Ken Clarke, the most successful chancellor in modern history. He's got form and it's good. I watch This Week (after question time) and have to say that Portillo would make a great PM. When in govt, he was an arrogant ****, but I think over the last 10 years he has moderated, carries himself well and is in touch with the public. I also have admiration for conviction politicians, even if I don't agree with their politics. The Tony Benn's of this world are alas a dying breed. He's a character that's really grown on me since he's been out of politics and I always read his column in The Sunday Times. He's still too right wing for me but now the arrogance has gone he does speak a lot of sense on a number of issues. I've always admired Dennis Skinner and conviction politicians of all hues. I despise career politician such as Cameron and the Milibands. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bridge too far Posted 10 April, 2010 Share Posted 10 April, 2010 I met David Milliband at a wedding recently. He was very pleasant and not at all arrogant. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
View From The Top Posted 10 April, 2010 Share Posted 10 April, 2010 Of the current crop the only one I genuine admire is Vince Cable. He has a genuine A1+ CV and it shows when he comments on the economy, unlike his Tory & Labour counterparts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
View From The Top Posted 10 April, 2010 Share Posted 10 April, 2010 I met David Milliband at a wedding recently. He was very pleasant and not at all arrogant. He's a career politican and therefore a **** be him a nice person or not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Dark Sotonic Mills Posted 10 April, 2010 Share Posted 10 April, 2010 It is a great pity that John Smith died so young. The greatest Prime Minister Britain never had. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bridge too far Posted 10 April, 2010 Share Posted 10 April, 2010 It is a great pity that John Smith died so young. The greatest Prime Minister Britain never had. Absolutely. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
View From The Top Posted 10 April, 2010 Share Posted 10 April, 2010 It is a great pity that John Smith died so young. The greatest Prime Minister Britain never had. Agree 100%. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bungle Posted 10 April, 2010 Share Posted 10 April, 2010 Daniel Hannan. (Ok, an MEP, but still...) Love the way he 'served' Gordon Brown at the European government. A man of conviction in his own ideas and not afraid to challenge convention. A future prime minister himself if I ever saw one, yet I fear he may always be considered slightly too radical for those controlling the Tory Party to let up the ladder. lol....really?! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jones91 Posted 10 April, 2010 Share Posted 10 April, 2010 Enoch Powell Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Badger Posted 11 April, 2010 Share Posted 11 April, 2010 Enoch Powell One of the greatest politicians of the second half of the twentieth century,and one of the best speakers in the House of Commons in that time. That view incidentally was given by Shirley Williams ( former Labour cabinet minister,and SDP MP) in an interview.Whilst she disagreed with his views she admitted to admiring his intellect,and speeches in the house. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TopGun Posted 11 April, 2010 Author Share Posted 11 April, 2010 I'm suprised none of the Labour supporters have nominater Peter Mandelson. TBF I do have a sneaking admiration for Lord Snape. He's very clear and organised in what he wants. The Tories would love to have him on board. Although, Dune, he is not an MP. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colinjb Posted 11 April, 2010 Share Posted 11 April, 2010 lol....really?! Yes Bungle, really. I know you will not agree as you are somewhat left of the centre but still, this thread is about personal preference. No place for a personal crusade chap. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bungle Posted 11 April, 2010 Share Posted 11 April, 2010 Yes Bungle, really. I know you will not agree as you are somewhat left of the centre but still, this thread is about personal preference. No place for a personal crusade chap. You seem to have missed the point of the thread. There are MPs I don't agree with who I admire. But Hannan is nothing more than a snivelling git after soundbites with nothing behind anything he says. He is one of the worst kinds of politician. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colinjb Posted 11 April, 2010 Share Posted 11 April, 2010 You seem to have missed the point of the thread. I can assure you I havn't. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robsk II Posted 11 April, 2010 Share Posted 11 April, 2010 Tony Benn, though no longer an MP. Also Neil Kinnock. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bridge too far Posted 11 April, 2010 Share Posted 11 April, 2010 Tony Benn Mo Mowlam Clare Short Dennis Skinner Caroline Lucas (MEP) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Causer Posted 11 April, 2010 Share Posted 11 April, 2010 You seem to have missed the point of the thread. There are MPs I don't agree with who I admire. But Hannan is nothing more than a snivelling git after soundbites with nothing behind anything he says. He is one of the worst kinds of politician. Actually he wrote a very good book called The Plan which has some very good ideas about the devoloution of power away from central government. He is not just a fine orator but a man with ideas whether you agree with them or not Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scotty Posted 11 April, 2010 Share Posted 11 April, 2010 Vince Cable. I'd rather have him in charge of the economy then either Darling or Osbourne. personally I agree, but dont forget that he alone of the 3 of them is able to speak his mind about the economy without the burden of believing the policies he is advocating will ever have to be actually carried through. For example, can you imagine vince cable trying to drag us into the euro?? and that is stated liberal policy, he would have to do it and the electorate would crucify him. The libs will not form the next government, darling and osborne have imo a roughly even chance of becoming the next chancellor and will be as shackled by their party's political stance as every other chancellor. Whatever they say now will be held up as gospel after the election whichever one of them is in power. Twas ever thus, sadly Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sergei Gotsmanov Posted 11 April, 2010 Share Posted 11 April, 2010 You seem to have missed the point of the thread. There are MPs I don't agree with who I admire. But Hannan is nothing more than a snivelling git after soundbites with nothing behind anything he says. He is one of the worst kinds of politician. Bungle I would have to contest that. You do not like Hannan because you did not like what he says and the success that he has had saying it as it is. He clearly believes in what he is saying and tows his own line and not always the party lines. I call that principled. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sergei Gotsmanov Posted 11 April, 2010 Share Posted 11 April, 2010 Always worth another look though bungle. Prudence being exposed for his short comings when we were doing well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deano6 Posted 11 April, 2010 Share Posted 11 April, 2010 Margaret Thatcher Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bungle Posted 11 April, 2010 Share Posted 11 April, 2010 personally I agree, but dont forget that he alone of the 3 of them is able to speak his mind about the economy without the burden of believing the policies he is advocating will ever have to be actually carried through. For example, can you imagine vince cable trying to drag us into the euro?? and that is stated liberal policy, he would have to do it and the electorate would crucify him. The libs will not form the next government, darling and osborne have imo a roughly even chance of becoming the next chancellor and will be as shackled by their party's political stance as every other chancellor. Whatever they say now will be held up as gospel after the election whichever one of them is in power. Twas ever thus, sadly It's not Lib Dem policy to join the Euro. Many party members wish it was. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sergei Gotsmanov Posted 11 April, 2010 Share Posted 11 April, 2010 we would be screwed like Greece if the value of the pound was kept arificially high. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dune Posted 11 April, 2010 Share Posted 11 April, 2010 It's not Lib Dem policy to join the Euro. Many party members wish it was. Things like this explain the Lib Dems fading in the opinion polls. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scotty Posted 11 April, 2010 Share Posted 11 April, 2010 It's not Lib Dem policy to join the Euro. Many party members wish it was. I thought it was lib dem policy to hold a referendum asap, and to campaign vigorously in favour of it:confused: I dont think they could just say it was their policy to join it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wade Garrett Posted 12 April, 2010 Share Posted 12 April, 2010 John Denham, put principles before his career, is very approachable, and has given up a fair bit of time for a charity my wife works for. Mike Han**** - very good speaker. Dennis Skinner Vince Cable James Purnell - hope he comes back. I always thought he was PM material. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scotty Posted 12 April, 2010 Share Posted 12 April, 2010 John Denham, put principles before his career Excellent point, well taken. How many others in or around the cabinet actually stood down rather than go along with the "party" line on iraq?, I cant think of any apart from robin cook, fair play to him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bridge too far Posted 12 April, 2010 Share Posted 12 April, 2010 Excellent point, well taken. How many others in or around the cabinet actually stood down rather than go along with the "party" line on iraq?, I cant think of any apart from robin cook, fair play to him. Clare Short, eventually. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joesaint Posted 12 April, 2010 Share Posted 12 April, 2010 Has to be Boris for what he said about Portsmouth ha ha Don't really have a fav maybe William Hague but have to add who I hate the most which is Harriet Harman she is c**p. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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