Courageous first steps for new MPs
The most terrifying rite of passage for new MPs is the maiden speech. By tradition they are heard without interruption and the newcomer is expected to say something nice about their predecessor, while steering clear of controversy.
As of 11am this morning, those who have screwed their courage to the sticking place are:
, Con (Watford); , Lab (Derby North); , Con (Sherwood); , Con (Morecambe & Lunesdale) , Con (Beckenham); , Lab (Bolton South East); , Con (Halesowen and Rowley Regis):, LibDem (Burnley); , Lab (Dunfermline & West Fife); , Lab (Barrow & Furness); , Lib Dem (Cambridge).
UPDATE: , Con (Sfk Coastal); , Lab (Islwyn) and , Con (Crawley) have now broken their ducks.
UPDATE 2: And some more - they're really piling in today:
, DUP (North Antrim); , Con (Folkestone and Hythe); , Lab (Rutherglen and Hamilton West); , Con (Ealing Central and Acton); , Green (Brighton Pavilion); , Con (Tiverton & Honiton); , Con (Waveney); , Con (Richmond Park); , Con (Salisbury).
Update 3: , Con (Daventry); , Con (Enfield North); , Con (City of Chester).
That's 28 maidens in the three days of debate - the ducks are being broken at a faster rate than anticipated. There are only two debating days next week, but even so, at this rate, most of the Commons newcomers will have dealt with this particular ordeal before the summer recess.
I'm Mark D'Arcy and I'll be writing about what goes on in the chambers and committee rooms at Westminster.
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