Tuesday 9 December 2008

Going to the ball

So... Tom Harris is off to the Palace, and Cinders here is waiting to do a 90 minute slot on the green benches PPS-ing in a European Affairs debate, covering for one of the Foreign Office PPS's who is otherwise engaged.

There aren't many speakers around today, as it's a one line whip, but that just gives licence to those in the Chamber to speak for as long as they want. Bill Cash started three minutes ago, so by the time my presence is required in half an hour, he'll just be getting into full flow.

I may not have been invited to the Palace but I was, however, in a lunch meeting today with the Earl of Sandwich, who asked me if I wanted a sandwich. I will probably wake up at 4am having thought of something funny to say about that.

10 comments:

labourparty said...

I've been invited to Buck House twice, and on both occasions I decided not to go because in those days your +1 had to be your (married) spouse. I did however turn up when Her Majesty decided to visit me (OK, my town!).

Nobody can accuse me of being a republican!

Kerry said...

So I guess this puts paid to the notion that labourparty is Paul Flynn.

Remember Remember said...

While you're out trying to climb social ladders, GB sinks into bankruptcy.

Chris Hutt said...

Did you by any chance 'sandwich' your meeting with the noble earl between other engagements?

Did you perhaps take Earl Grey tea with your lunch? And were either of you wearing 'cardigans' or 'wellington' boots?

Any more?

Kerry said...

I think you should have stopped after the first one Chris - which I rather liked.

As for social climbing, the encounter with the Earl was at a Save the Children event, which I was chairing. I can't help it if the Compassionate Conservatives insist on coming along to such things these days. Wouldn't want you to think I was socialising!

timbone said...

"...and Cinders here is waiting to do a 90 minute slot..."

...and who are the two ugly sisters?

Anonymous said...

Harris's advent tune from hell today is 'Wonderful Christmastime' by Paul McCartney.

We are not amused.

Kerry said...

Well if I'm right, the Ugly Sisters went to the Ball too... so that would be the Tory MPs Nigel Evans and Bill Cash.

Charles Kennedy also did a turn while I was in the Chamber, so he can be Buttons. Which makes Caroline Flint, the Europe Minister, my Prince Charming! (And before you say anything - Prince Charming is ALWAYS played by a girl).

Kerry said...

As for Tom - didn't I tell you that would be in there somewhere?

But I still reckon he'll go for Fairytale of New York as Number 1. We just have to suffer a lot before we get there.

timbone said...

"Which makes Caroline Flint, the Europe Minister, my Prince Charming! (And before you say anything - Prince Charming is ALWAYS played by a girl)."

Kerry, I have directed a few pantos, so I am fully aware of this eccentric but fine English tradition. Despite the fact that Caroline Flint was an under something or other in the DoH when the SBE was discussed and ratified, I would absolutely love to do a pantomime with her - the only trouble is I would have to go outside for a cigarette afterwards!