Grandee or Political Has-Been?

Sadly all LibDem exes are has beens now courtesy of reneging on their promise re student loans - destroyed the party for the next 50 years.
How about a new definition for the likes of Blair, Maceroon and Osborne - the cash-in-ers - no good as politicians but making bucket loads of dosh on the speaking circuit, advising parasitical financial companies or becoming editor of a paper on the basis of no qualifications other than being an ex.

I get confused as I thought the OP was asking for nominations of ' Political Has Beens' .

Well said hm999

Isn't it interesting that although we are living longer we want our politicians to be younger. Churchill was 80 when he stopped being PM. Most PMs were in their 60s or 70s. Presumably they were then Grandees or Big beasts. Could it possibly be that GNers are allowing ageism to creep into their opinions on politicians?

My MP, Sir Alan Haselhurst, was first elected as an MP in 1970. He would be the 'father of the house' if he hadn't lost his seat in 1974. He subsequently became an MP for a safe Conservative seat in 1977, which he has held to this day.

I wouldn't mind betting that most people haven't heard of him. Being an MP has been a gravy train for him. No doubt, being an MP has been a nice form of income and some respect. However, he will never be an elder statesman, because he has done very little, hasn't represented his constituents and has never been a "voice" in national politics.

Whether or not people agree with people like Heseltine, Clarke or Blair, they do deserve a mention in history books.

Brown has passion, He has, hasn't he anniebach! - but managed to conceal it very well when he was PM.

Perhaps Kinnock should just be known as 'Grand', however
I think their experience and knowledge gained is needed, no matter which party is very true.

I just imagine them sitting on the loo with their trousers round their ankles. Brings everything into perspective.
Someone once advised me to do that when I was very nervous before going into an interview. It was all I could do not to start giggling.

No need to apologise, ab.

If i misread your post gettingonabit I apologise , crossing out words in stead of just deleting them often confuse me

Quite a few people admitted they voted Leave as a protest vote. They were annoyed. That's what Ashdown alluded to. Given all that people (especially the young) are going to lose, European health cards, cheap air fares, bringing back mobile charges abroad, ability to work/study in Europe etc, and the admission that that lots of the Leave propaganda was lies, if it were held again tomorrow, plenty would vote differently.

I thought this was supposed to be light-hearted....

Numerous other Kinnocks? You don't think his wife and son should be involved in politics because he is?

Too many "let's face its" there!

So glad someone remembered Dennis Skinner, Beast of Bolsover.

ab of course I appreciate what Kinnock has done. I actually think he was always underrated as a politician and particularly as regards what he did for the Labour Party. However I still think he has entertainment value; falling in the sea in Brighton being just one of his more interesting moments, not forgetting that particularly cringe worthy moment at Sheffield .

Let's face it, he's done pretty well since along with numerous other Kinnocks.

Let's face it, he's done pretty well out

Sink will do!!!

Should say sock. Oops

Yes Nigel Farage most annoying man. Feel like I want to stuff a sink in his mouth.

He'd probably hate to be thought a grandee, but I've a lot of admiration for Dennis Skinner, a man of principle. There aren 't enough of those around.

Those who have been classed as has beens were MP's for years, I think their experience and knowledge gained is needed, no matter which party.

If you really know Kenneth Clarke I am surprised you said that. He talks a lot of sense and is a good man. Just because he is getting on a bit does not mean he is a has-been. I wish he was in power now.

My list:

Rt Hon the Lord Carrington 98yrs
Rt Hon Baroness Trumpigton 95 yrs
Rt Hon Baroness Masham 82 yrs

Too old to stay awake so should be allowed to retire with grace and make room for young blood imo.

Triplets?

Gove Gove and Gove

I disagree with Kinnock in your list gettingonabit, this man fought the militants who tried to take over the party, took over as leader when the party was cast into the wilderness, he had to rebuild the party at the same time battle with thatcher and vicious attacks from the Tory press. You compare him with Farage?

My nominations:

Michael Heseltine, Kenneth Clarke - Grandees. Big personalities, identities outside of politics (business interests, suede shoes, jazz fan). Memorable in some way.

Big Beasts - Betty Boothroyd, Denis Healy, Gordon Brown, Shirley Wulliams. People with passion, integrity and grit.

Entertainers - Ed Balls, Farage, Boris, Kinnock, Paddy Pantsdown, Blair, Prezza, Thatcher; politicians who translate well into Spitting Image puppets. Memorable for many reasons, but not always the right ones!

Nick Clegg, pompous, and a holier than though.