Let’s get rid of the `old dinosaurs`

If there’s one further thing Speaker Martin’s case throws up is the unadaptability of the `old dinosaurs` to change whether Scots and NE Labour MPs or old political theorists and commentators.

I speak of Anthony Howerd’s contribution to the `Daily Politics` who described the 15 signatures on the motion of no confidence in the Speaker as a `ragbab and bobcat army`. I think that tells you all you need to know about the need to get rid of Speaker Martin – putting forward arguments that are completely out of touch with the general electorate and as Nick said `It’s no good carrying on with nods and winks as that’s the culture that got us into this mess`. Lynne Featherstone, Steve Williams just a `ragbag and bobcat army`? In what world is Anthony Howerd living?

It’s time for the old dinosaurs (not to do with age but to do with the age and nimbleness of their attitudes) to retire to the jungle – whether that’s the Lords, the papers or to their gardens.