Grandee or Political Has-Been?

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.

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

No need to apologise, ab.

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.

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.

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?

Well said hm999

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

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 think Grandees (or Big Beasts) are still worth listening to - even if you disagree with their opinions - they are more open, honest & thoughtful because they are no longer in the Commons & therefore not subject to the same degree of party discipline as MPs. So I consider Norman Tebbit & David Blunkett to be Grandees.
Has-Beens act as if they are important and their opinions are valid and we are desperately waiting to hear them - but in reality they add nothing to a debate - so I add Ken Livingston & Michael Howard to my Has-Been nominations.
Grandees & Big Beasts also have a sense of humour - I like the Baroness Trumpington nomination

I mean Baroness Trumpington for a Grandee - her rude gesture to a patronising Lord was priceless

Joannewton, surely you don't expect anyone who left politics not to earn money, I object to those who have one or more jobs whilst still an MP

How can Ken Clarke be a Grandee when he is still in the Commons? I have a lot of time for him even if he is a Tory - a brave man who can defy the Whip.

What about Michal Howard??

Took the words out of my finger tips Iam64. Coming up the outside lane, with a valiant effort to reach the line - it's Howard! Gaining ground rapidly! Waving his lance and tilting at Spanish windmills.
I suppose Livingstone would be in the grandee stakes too but he seems unable to meet the (rather low) standard for entries.
Ed is too young, to gorgeous and too much of a gent to even fill in the application form. (Sigh! Have you ever seen him in real life? Very tall).

Ed who? Can't think of any Ed who's 'gorgeous'...

JessM yes, I saw and heard Ed speak. He is very attractive, spoke well and the question and answer session was good. He was challenged by many and responded effectively and with charm. Sadly, none of This translated to tv. I heard a well known journalist expressing disbelief that at last ve events, Ed was charismatic and effective but somehow that didn't come over on television. He's also too young to be a branded and it's too close to the dismal result of the last general election.

What about Michael Howard?
Grandee or has been who should shut up Iam64?

Ed? I will take your word for it that he is gorgeous in RL! and a gent
I prefer Miliband Major.

I can see the attraction of Miliband Major but will stay with my views on Miliband Minor thanks Jalima.

Michael Howard - stunningly daft I thought, with his "our ships are bigger than your ships" nonsense. He always had something of the night about him and hasn't improved with age. Whereas Ken Clarke, for example - always a joy despite being a Tory. He's intelligent, interesting and probably the best leader the Tories never had.

I am very fond of Ken Clarke

Well, Miliband Minor has nicer hair than Miliband Major


Ken and his Hush Puppies

To continue this frivolous theme. Am I alone in enjoying Theresa May's new approach to clothes and hair cuts. I'm not making any comment about her politics by the way, that's a different subject.

I never really noticed her before she became PM iam, but I think her style is just right. Smart and business-like, and not flashy.

Diane Abbot, ex Corbyn bidey in. She loves the sound of her own breathy voice , does nothing for the labour cause.

PS I hope this is not in POLITICS as I want to escape with my integrity intact.

Sod it. it is.
Can it be under NEWS please