THE tradition of Derbyshire MP Dennis Skinner issuing a heckle in the moments before the Queen's Speech is probably as old as Britain's democracy.
This year, the last legislative programme from the government before the general election, the "Beast of Bolsover" went for the rather simple: "Coalition's last stand."
It wasn't a classic gag. But Skinner's to-the-point heckle marked what could be the final year of the Conservative-Lib Dem coalition.
Here's a rundown of some of the Labour MP's other heckles over the years:
2013: "Royal Mail for sale. Queen's head privatised."
2012: "Jubilee year, double dip recession, what a start," shouted Skinner, prompting cries of "shame!" from Tory MPs.
2009: As Black Rod arrived in the Commons, Skinner joked: "Royal expenses are on the way."
2008: Skinner quipped: "Any Tory moles at the palace?", a reference to the recent arrest of the Tory MP Damian Green in connection with Home Office leaks.
2007: After two protected hen harriers were shot dead on the royal family's Sandringham estate, Skinner remarked: "Who shot the harriers?" Prince Harry was questioned by the police but no charges were brought.
2006: In reference to the new film The Queen, Skinner asked Black Rod: "Have you got Helen Mirren on standby?"
2003: Following a series of break-ins at Buckingham Palace, Skinner asked: "Did she lock the door behind her?"
2000: Skinner shouted, "Tell her to read the Guardian" after the newspaper launched a new campaign calling for Britain to become a republic.
1997: Skinner cried: "New Labour, New Black Rod", an adaptation of the campaign slogan "New Labour, New Britain".
1992: As pressure grew on the Queen to pay tax on her personal income, Skinner ordered Black Rod: "Tell her to pay her taxes."
1990: Skinner quipped: "It tolls for thee, Maggie", a reference to Margaret Thatcher's imminent resignation as prime minister.
