Let me start by saying how pleased I am to be here at the St Bride’s Foundation. Only a few hundred yards from where the Labour Party was founded over a century ago. And especially to be here with so many community organisers and Labour Party members from right across the country. I am here
Many guests at the Spectator’s summer party on Wednesday night expressed their admiration for the magazine’s books section, which is edited by Mark Amory and Clare Asquith. Consistently strong, they said. What a cracking section, said an excited Australian gentleman. It’s a tremendous honour to have such support, and we’re grateful to all our readers.
The Chair of IPSA, Sir Ian Kennedy, gave a speech at the IPPR this morning on MPs’ pay. Here’s what he said: There’s never a good time to do anything about MPs’ pay. The pressing issues of the moment always make it a bad time. This is the sad history of attempts to introduce changes
‘Think back. Where else might you have put your passport?’
‘Fracking? What on earth is fracking?
‘Agree to Mr Saatchi’s terms or you’ll get to keep the Tracey Emins.’
‘Water cooler moment ... water cooler moment...’
‘Someone’s sent me a bleet.’
‘This is the first time I’ve been out with anyone from GCHQ.’
‘Yes, he can talk but it’s mostly just a stream of banal drivel.’
‘Blimey! Another pub has disappeared.’
‘Congratulations, you’ve gone viral.’
‘I don’t know why we stock that magazine — nobody ever buys it.’
‘One cheesecake, two forks, and a ruler.’
‘He pulled himself down by his bootstraps.’
