Quentin Davies' U-turn on peerages
Interesting to see that Quentin Davies, having failed to get a Commons seat, gets a place in the Lords.
A Conservative minister points out to me that on the day Davies defected from the Conservatives to Labour in 2007 he was taunted about this possibility by Alan Duncan on Newsnight, and said he only believed in an elected Lords.
From Newsnight 26 06 2007:
ALAN DUNCAN: "Will you give an undertaking tonight that under no circumstances will you accept a peerage from the Labour government?"
QUENTIN DAVIES: "I'm not giving any undertakings tonight, but I'm certainly not interested in peerages. And frankly Alan, if you knew anything about my record, you'd know that I have a consistent record in voting for a 100% democratically elected House of Lords, for the abolition of the nominated House of Lords - which I think is completely wrong. I want a democratic chamber. So if I was myself hoping for some nomination for the House of Lords I'd hardly be doing that, would I?"
Watch the exchange here:
In order to see this content you need to have both Javascript enabled and Flash installed. Visit µώµώ°δΜύ°Β±π²ϊ·ΙΎ±²υ±π for full instructions. If you're reading via RSS, you'll need to visit the blog to access this content.
I'm Michael Crick, and I'm Newsnight's political editor. My guiding rule is that in any story there's usually something the politicians would prefer the world not to know. My job is to find that out. Follow me on
Comment number 1.
At 1st Jun 2010, stevie wrote:quite right too, Quentin, I mean you belong in the House of Lords, you give the place gravitas and respect unlike the hoi poloi they seem to let in these days like Prescott and his lady, Pauline. Surely they would be at home in Pizza Hut or KFC but the Lords? Shurrreelyy some mistake....
Complain about this comment (Comment number 1)
Comment number 2.
At 1st Jun 2010, Jerry Hayes wrote:Er Michael,you seem shocked. This was th price for walking the floor
Complain about this comment (Comment number 2)
Comment number 3.
At 1st Jun 2010, barriesingleton wrote:WESTMINSTER ROTS THE SOUL - INTEGRITY CURES 99% OF ALL KNOWN ROT.
I told you so.
New Politics in Old Westminster.
How many MPs were not PRE-CHOSEN BY A PARTY that is content to (dys)function in that feudal Palace of iniquities? Is it ONE?
Complain about this comment (Comment number 3)
Comment number 4.
At 1st Jun 2010, stanilic wrote:So he gets a peerage for poor political timing: more rewards for failure!
Complain about this comment (Comment number 4)
Comment number 5.
At 1st Jun 2010, barriesingleton wrote:QUENTIN IS NOT REAL.
He is a picture by Louise Bourgeois.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 5)
Comment number 6.
At 1st Jun 2010, Notyetavet wrote:You put your left foot in, right foot out,
Play the Hokey Kokey
And turn your principles about...
Complain about this comment (Comment number 6)
Comment number 7.
At 1st Jun 2010, jauntycyclist wrote:if he wants an elected lords then given the changes that is exactly the type of person to put in there? to vote in the changes?
or should only die hard monarchists be sent there?
Complain about this comment (Comment number 7)