Doyens of Democracy

As the 2019 General Election campaign rumbles on with all the traducing the truth that we have come to expect from this most incompetent of parliaments, the media shows no sign of trying to uplift the level of debate about real issues. The BBC have fact-checking but, given that facts are moveable in time, space and mindsets, this is of dubious value. Most of the time the popular press and social media are more interested in creating some pizazz out of the 'ditzy blonde' versus 'greybeard' prizefight. It is increasingly easy to get strung along by the assumption that all our MPs are universally ficcant.

Yet amidst all the blatant failures of Theresa May's and Boris Johnson's governments there have been some doyens of democracy who deserve recognition for delivering what Mrs Thatcher promised (but failed) to do when she became PM.

‘Where there is discord, may we bring harmony. Where there is error, may we bring truth. Where there is doubt, may we bring faith. And where there is despair, may we bring hope’

Here's my list of ten MPs who deserve some recognition for their persistence to challenge the executive in the age of austerity and adversity.

David Gauke  Open-minded, thoughtful, courteous and honest, a reminder of what decent Tories used to be like.
Angela Rayner  Feisty, radical, and robust enough to debate issues with the formidable Amber Rudd and come out with credit. One of the few members of Corbyn's shadow cabinet who has the confidence and heft to speak her mind without fear nor favour.
Dominic Grieve  A forensic attention to detail on parliamentary procedures and an unflinching belief in membership of the EU that, unlike most of his colleagues, he has not been prepared to abandon in order to curry favour with his party.
Jess Phillips She may be gobby in a Brummy way but she is brutally honest and cares deeply for those in her constituency who suffer from many indignities that Parliament could and should resolve such as universal credit disasters, housing failures and lack of mental health services.
Keir Starmer The only MP who has worked consistently with the EU in a collaborative way on Brexit negotiations. He has displayed the same intellectual and statesmanship qualities shown by the leading EU politicians. Also understands the need for a People's vote to reconcile the deep divisions amongst the electorate.
Stella Creasy  Always prepared to face up to tough issues like abortion reform, equality issues and an advocate of citizen's juries to rejuvenate democratic debate. Undaunted by Corbynite threats and trolling by pro-life activists.
Ian Blackford   The leader of the SNP, who remained respectful of the House when launching lacerating criticism of government policies. On many days the most effective challenger at PM's question time.
Anna Soubrey  For being Anna Soubrey: articulate, passionate and scrupulously honest despite the release of hostilities against her by the media. social media warriors and her party.
Jacob Rees-Mogg  Not that he merits any praise but he was a counter-insurgent who sometimes was just as effective in tripping up the government. He was the leading exponent for rejecting Mrs May's Brexit deal. His unsurpassed unctuousness owes a lot to his Edwardian charm, calm eloquence and impeccable manners, which were used to showcase his reactionary polemic that delayed and derailed Brexit.
John Bercow Almost as gobby as Jess Phillips and as unctuous as Rees-Mogg but with a thoroughly fearless independent spirit in the House of Fun. Huge kudos for upsetting Andrea Leadsom when she was Leader of the House.