An Honest Politician ...

Eric · 10-06-2009, 21:50

There's a lot of discussion going on about dishonest politicians, and while it is entertaining and all that, the question I would like to ask is: of all the political leaders since, say, Robert Walpole which British politician stands out for his/her honesty and downright incorruptability? It could be anyone, and the person need not have held the highest office, or even a cabinet post. And of course you don't have to be serious. One could say for example that Richard lll was very straightforward, and he certainly knew how to deal with the opposition.

cashman · 10-06-2009, 21:57

i'll give ya an honest answer eric, will probably pish a few off - Graham Jones.

steeljack · 10-06-2009, 23:10

two spring to mind , Bessie Braddock and Harold MacMillan ( a Tory, who represented a coalfield constituancy for nearly 20 yrs during the depression of the thirties) .
Think the fact that both saw the effects of poverty during the Depression and of suffering and death during two World Wars left marks on both of them to do the best they could for the country .

wadey · 10-06-2009, 23:18

It's got to be Chris Mullin and I hope he gets the Speakers job as well, he's the chap who, during the expenses fiasco, turned out to be claiming for a Black and White TV licence, also a very good writer
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Mullin_(politician)

garinda · 10-06-2009, 23:32

I'll second Bessie Braddock, and also put forward Jennie Lee as a politican, though her morals could be open to question when it came to her private life.

grannyclaret · 11-06-2009, 00:48

i am not a Tory but i think Ann Widdicombe is an honest person even if she is a bit dippy

Eric · 11-06-2009, 04:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by steeljack

two spring to mind , Bessie Braddock and Harold MacMillan ( a Tory, who represented a coalfield constituancy for nearly 20 yrs during the depression of the thirties) .
Think the fact that both saw the effects of poverty during the Depression and of suffering and death during two World Wars left marks on both of them to do the best they could for the country .

Bessie Braddock ... now there is a candidate ...

jaysay · 11-06-2009, 09:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by grannyclaret

i am not a Tory but i think Ann Widdicombe is an honest person even if she is a bit dippy

She's not as dippy as you think GC, I know her quite well and she certainly has her finger on the pulse and doesn't suffer fools gladly