PC Harriet Harman

Talk is cheap - money pay da rent.

A cracking pronouncement from HH on her website re. the new job. No less than a serious declaration of intent...

"As Leader of the House of Commons I have pledged to be the "policewoman" in
the cabinet who ensures that ministers show respect for MPs and that the new
emphasis on putting Parliament first must be enforced.

That was one of the things that I said in my deputy leadership campaign,
that I felt that people wanted to see no spin, no briefings, no leaking,
respect for Parliament

Everybody has recognised that there has been an erosion of confidence in our
political institutions and a climate of cynicism, this has not just been
about the government. It has affected voter turnout and low voter turnout
undermines the legitimacy of Parliament.

This is a problem that needs to be addressed. This is a very important time
to be taking over as leader of the House. Because what the House does and
what happens in the House, everybody agrees, is critical to turning that
lack of legitimacy around."

We've been granted facetime with the new leader of the House and for the time-being Ministry Towers seems to have turned into a betting shop. High volumes of low denomination (unmarked etc.) banknotes are changing hands as we speak. Current odds are strongly against her supporting the Misrepresentation of the Peoples Act.

I've never been a betting man but couldn't resist taking a piece of the action. There is no doubt whatsoever in my mind that we will be unceremoniously ejected from her office - even if it's only for grevious crimes of flatulence (I am a little nervous).

"I felt that people wanted to see no spin, , no briefings, no leaking, respect for Parliament ".

We shall see just how much substance lies behind this.

Naturally, we'll keep you posted.