Guido and Benedict
Brogan have already drawn attention to Paul Waugh’s latest post. But a story this good deserves repeating, at length:
“Tory MP Mark Pritchard is not one to swear. In fact he’s ribbed by colleagues in the Tea Room for saying “Schmidt” instead of sh*t. But today, he exploded when the Commons Speaker confronted him over an alleged breach of the courtesies of the House. It all started when Pritchard got to his feet towards the end of Business Questions. As he rose, the Tory backbencher was told by John Bercow that as he was not present for the beginning of Sir George Young’s business statement, he could not ask a question. Pritchard was furious because he actually had been present for the start of the session at 11.30am and had been seated between Des Swaine and Peter Bone. However, he left the chamber for five minutes to go to the loo between noon and 12.05, before returning. To register his anger at not being allowed to ask a question, Pritchard immediately wrote a letter of complaint, explaining why the Speaker was wrong (including the toilet break). He went to the Speaker’s office to submit the letter. But, several minutes later, on walking back along the corridor behind the Speaker’s chair, the Tory MP then encountered Mr Bercow walking towards him with his usual formal entourage. The Speaker then stopped and pointed at Pritchard and said: “The courtesy of the House is that Honourable Members should stand aside when the Speaker passes by”. Pritchard was so outraged at this further slight that he replied: “Mr Speaker, don’t point at me. I am not here to be abused by you.” Bercow countered: “You will obey the courtesies of the House!” To which Pritchard replied with the immortal line: “You are not fucking royalty, Mr Speaker!” Pritchard then walked off. It was high drama and witnessed by several colleagues.”
If only so I don’t feel bad for copying and pasting most of Paul’s content, please do read his original post for a few extra insights. And, of course, it’s well worth adding his blog to your favourites, if it isn’t nestled among them already.
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